America’s Leadership at a Crossroads
When Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill drafted the Atlantic Charter in 1941, they outlined a vision of freedom, self-determination, and international cooperation that would guide the democratic world through war and into a fairer postwar order. Its principles—restoring sovereign rights, ensuring freedom from fear and want, and safeguarding the global commons—were a beacon of statesmanship and hope. That moment marked a high point for American influence and moral authority.
But fast forward to the present, and a different scene unfolds. During yesterday’s meeting in the Oval Office, President Trump offered no meaningful support to Ukraine while treating President Volodymyr Zelensky, the leader of a nation under siege, with overt disdain. This moment was more than a diplomatic failure; it was a departure from the values America once championed on the world stage. The contrast between the ideals of the Atlantic Charter and a transactional, self-serving, gangster approach to Ukraine could not be starker.
Missed Opportunities in Supporting Ukraine
Ukraine has earned global admiration for its resilience in the face of Russia's invasion, destroying much of Moscow's military capabilities and pioneering innovative tactics like low-cost, effective drone warfare. Leaders like Zelensky stand as symbols of democratic courage, yet they are now navigating a geopolitical minefield where allies can feel more like opportunists.
One glaring missed opportunity is the U.S. failure to seize Russia’s frozen assets and use them to fund Ukraine’s defense. Such a move could provide the financial resources needed for American-made weapons, allowing Ukraine to continue resisting Russian aggression. Instead, the Trump administration pressed Zelensky for exploitable concessions, further weakening an ally when solidarity was most critical. If the U.S. won’t lead in this effort, there’s a case for European partners to step up—a strategic pivot that could spur them to bolster their defenses and invest more heavily in NATO.
Yet this failure isn’t just about tactical missteps; it’s about a broader erosion of purpose. What happened in that room could embolden not just Russia but other adversaries, as demonstrated by China’s recent military escalations in Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Pacific. The message is clear: when America wavers in backing its allies, enemies grow bolder.
A Moment for Leadership Across the Aisle
This isn’t just a Republican or Democratic problem—it’s an American problem. Both parties have an opportunity to step forward with real leadership. While there remain Republicans—like Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative Don Bacon—who recognize the strategic importance of Ukraine, others in the GOP have leaned into isolationism and grievance narratives that undermine long-term security.
On the Democratic side, there’s room to reclaim the legacy of tough, principled leadership embodied by figures like Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy. Democrats with a background in military and security are well-positioned to advance policies that defend democracy abroad while resonating with voters at home. This isn’t just about standing up for Ukraine; it’s about pushing back against the cynicism that equates American strength with retreat.
For both parties, the stakes are higher than just political optics. A Russian victory in Ukraine, whether through military conquest or a shaky cease-fire that lets Moscow regroup, would echo the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. It would signal to autocrats around the world that the free world has lost its resolve. That’s not just a danger for Kyiv but for democracies everywhere.
Reclaiming America’s Honor and Values
The Atlantic Charter taught us that leadership is about more than power—it’s about principles. When Roosevelt and Churchill convened in 1941, it wasn’t an exercise in raw self-interest; it was an affirmation that a better world, grounded in dignity and mutual respect, was possible. Today, it falls to us to remember that lesson.
To reclaim America’s global standing, leaders from both sides of the aisle must act with integrity and foresight. This means providing material support to Ukraine, not exploiting it. It means seizing opportunities—like freezing Russia’s assets—to reinforce democratic values. And it means rejecting the politics of cruelty and transactional thinking that undermine trust with allies and at home.
A New Era of Leadership?
The European Union (EU) is well-positioned to seize this moment and assert itself as a leader of the free world, especially as the U.S. faces challenges to its global leadership. This could be a pivotal opportunity for the EU.
Why the EU Should Step Up
Moral and Strategic Imperative: The EU has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid, military assistance, and economic sanctions against Russia. This consistent stance aligns with the values of democracy, human rights, and international cooperation that define leadership in the free world.
Geopolitical Necessity: With the U.S. showing signs of unpredictability in its foreign policy, particularly under leaders like Trump, the EU has a chance to fill the vacuum. A stronger EU presence on the global stage could counterbalance rising authoritarian powers like China and Russia.
Economic and Military Potential: The EU collectively represents one of the largest economies in the world, giving it significant leverage in shaping global trade, climate policy, and technological innovation. While its military capabilities are currently fragmented, increased investment in defense could make the EU a more formidable force.
Unity in Diversity: The EU’s ability to bring together diverse nations under a shared vision of peace and prosperity is a powerful example of what international cooperation can achieve. This model could inspire other regions to pursue similar paths of collaboration.
Challenges to Overcome
However, stepping into this role is not without its hurdles:
Internal Divisions: The EU must address its internal disagreements on issues like defense spending, migration, and economic policy to present a unified front.
Military Readiness: While NATO remains the cornerstone of European defense, the EU needs to invest in its own military capabilities to reduce reliance on the U.S.
Global Perception: The EU must work to shift global perceptions of it as a primarily economic bloc to one that is also a decisive geopolitical actor.
What Leadership Would Look Like
To lead the free world, the EU would need to:
Strengthen NATO and European Defense: Invest heavily in military capabilities and ensure that member states meet their defense commitments. This would not only bolster NATO but also prepare the EU to act independently if needed.
Seize Frozen Russian Assets: Take the lead in using Russia’s frozen assets to fund Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction, setting a precedent for holding aggressors accountable.
Champion Global Issues: Lead on climate change, human rights, and technological innovation, areas where the EU already has significant influence.
Forge Alliances: Deepen partnerships with democracies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to build a broader coalition of nations committed to shared values.
A New Era of Leadership
If the EU can rise to these challenges, it has the potential to redefine global leadership for the 21st century. This would not mean replacing the U.S. but complementing and, when necessary, stepping in where American leadership falters. By doing so, the EU could ensure that the principles of freedom, dignity, and cooperation remain at the forefront of global governance.
The question is not just whether the EU can lead, but whether it will take the bold steps necessary to do so. The world is watching, and the moment is ripe for action.