Trump Eyes Fracturing EU, Reviving ‘Core 5’ in Leaked National Security Strategy

A chilling glimpse into a potential second Trump administration has emerged from leaked documents detailing a US National Security Strategy that prioritizes weakening the European Union and forging new alliances based on ideological alignment. The revelations, first reported by Defense One and elaborated on by The Times of London, paint a picture of a US foreign policy dramatically diverging from decades of transatlantic cooperation.

The leaked strategy reportedly outlines a plan to actively encourage four EU member states – Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Poland – to either leave the bloc or pursue a Brexit-style departure. This isn’t simply a matter of differing policy preferences; it represents a fundamental challenge to the post-war European order, built on integration and collective security. The motivation, according to the leaks, is to “Make Europe Great Again,” a clear echo of Trump’s “America First” mantra.

A ‘Core 5’ and a Shift in Global Power Dynamics

Beyond Europe, the leaked documents reveal a vision for a new global power structure centered around a “Core 5” (C5) group: the United States, China, Russia, India, and Japan. This proposed grouping, intended to hold regular summits, would initially focus on normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The implications are significant. Prioritizing dialogue with geopolitical rivals like Russia and China, while simultaneously attempting to weaken key allies in Europe, signals a radical departure from traditional US foreign policy.

The White House has denied the existence of a classified version of the strategy, but the reports have sparked alarm across the continent. As The Guardian’s John Crace argues, Trump’s history of threats to destabilize European democracies, support far-right nationalists, withdraw from NATO, and offer tacit support to Russia should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric. “It’s time to wake up because when the US president says this stuff, you had better believe him,” Crace writes.

The Far-Right Connection and Internal European Fears

The leaked strategy isn’t occurring in a vacuum. The Times of London also reports on a concerted effort by Trump’s allies to court the European far-right. A recent delegation of 20 MPs from Germany’s far-right AfD party traveled to the US, and the party’s foreign policy spokesman maintains close ties with Moscow. This raises fears of “Cold War-esque interferences” across the continent, with European governments bracing for potential attempts to undermine centrist governments and sow discord.

Interestingly, even some traditionally hawkish voices in Washington acknowledge the potential pitfalls of this approach. The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board suggests that while Trump’s demand for increased European defense spending could be a positive catalyst for reform, courting the far-right could be counterproductive. They point out that these groups are often “instinctively anti-American” and resistant to economic liberalization.

Beyond Geopolitics: A French Gaming Triumph

While the geopolitical landscape appears increasingly turbulent, a bright spot emerged from France this week. The video game “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” achieved a historic victory at the Games Awards in Los Angeles, winning nine awards, including the coveted title of Game of the Year. This marks the first time a French-developed game has received this honor, a testament to the growing strength of the French gaming industry. Developed by the small Montpellier-based studio Sandfall Interactive, the game has already sold over 2 million copies. The success of “Clair Obscur” demonstrates that France is not only a cultural powerhouse but also a rising force in the global tech sector.

The game’s creator, Guillaume Broche, initially developed the project as a side hustle while working at Ubisoft, highlighting the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive within the French tech community. The game’s unique blend of narrative-driven gameplay, challenging combat, and atmospheric music, set against the backdrop of the French Lumières period, has resonated with players worldwide.

A Continent on Edge

The leaked National Security Strategy, coupled with the growing influence of far-right movements in Europe, presents a significant challenge to the continent’s stability. According to the Statista, support for far-right parties across Europe has steadily increased in recent years, with an average of 16.4% of voters identifying with such ideologies in 2023. This trend, combined with a potential shift in US foreign policy, could have profound consequences for the future of the European Union and the transatlantic alliance. The stakes are high, and the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Europe can navigate this period of uncertainty and maintain its unity and resilience.

The world is watching, and the implications of these developments extend far beyond the borders of Europe and the United States.