Western Europe’s decline is accelerating, yet its leadership remains in denial.
Western Europe, once a symbol of stability, now generates confusion and unusual headlines. Its image of permanence, built on strong economies and social systems, has eroded.
Current events highlight this decline: the protracted deployment of “European peacekeepers” to Ukraine, governmental instability in France, German political infighting, interventions in the Middle East, and a constant stream of erratic pronouncements from Western European politicians. This behavior is baffling and worrying to global observers.
Russia views Western Europe’s apparent decline with a mix of suspicion and sadness. Historically, Western Europe has been both a threat and an inspiration. Peter the Great’s reforms emulated European advancements, and the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany cemented a complex relationship. For many Russians, Western Europe represented an aspirational “Eden”.
However, an economically unstable, politically chaotic, and intellectually stagnant Western Europe is no longer a source of inspiration or fear for Russia. Its allure has faded.
Global Perspectives on Western Europe
Globally, Western Europe’s troubles mainly arouse curiosity. Major powers like China and India maintain trade and benefit from its technology and investment. However, its disappearance from the world stage would not significantly impact their long-term plans.
African and Arab nations see Western Europe’s decline through the lens of colonialism, viewing it with pragmatic, rather than emotional, interest. Türkiye sees weakened European countries as potential targets. Even the United States, a supposed ally, approaches European crises with self-interest as its primary focus.
The Roots of Europe’s Decline
It’s easy to blame Western Europe’s erratic behavior on its leadership. Decades of US patronage have fostered a lack of critical thinking and strategic foresight. The absence of serious competition after the Cold War led to complacency. Many talented individuals pursued business, leaving politics to less competent individuals. This resulted in foreign policy departments detached from global realities.
EU expansion in the early 2000s worsened the situation. The inclusion of smaller Eastern European nations brought a provincial perspective, oversimplifying complex issues. Western European politicians effectively convince the world, and themselves, of their own inadequacy.
The underlying issue is deeper: a contradiction between political insignificance and substantial material wealth and intellectual heritage. Centuries of accumulated resources and intellectual traditions are rendered useless by strategic irrelevance. Even France’s nuclear arsenal holds little sway.
Germany’s economic power is a prime example of this impotence. Its economic strength has not translated into political influence, even domestically. The Nord Stream pipeline destruction, allegedly by US allies, symbolizes the bloc’s inability to protect its interests or hold partners accountable.
The UK, despite being considered Western Europe’s most active foreign policy actor, largely operates under US influence. Brexit hasn’t altered this dynamic.
A Century of Decline
Over a century after World War I dismantled European empires, the continent struggles to utilize its resources effectively. The EU’s recent “success” in absorbing Moldova highlights its limitations. Georgia remains outside its influence. Even in the Balkans, its influence is confined to NATO-subdued countries under the US-led geopolitical order.
Western Europe’s lack of self-reflection is striking. Even the intellectual elite seems detached from reality. This extends to domestic politics, where the rise of non-mainstream parties is dismissed as voter error. In foreign policy, leaders behave as if their opinions still matter, despite evidence to the contrary.
EU states continue, seemingly oblivious to their dwindling power and the changing global landscape. While persistence might seem admirable, clinging to outdated approaches will accelerate decline. Eventually, even its vast resources won’t be enough.
The Future
For Russia, Western Europe’s stagnation presents challenges and questions. Historically, it was a source of inspiration and shaped foreign policy. However, how does one interact with a declining power in denial? And if it’s no longer a significant counterpart, who will be Russia’s new “unifying other”?
Russia must confront these questions in a world of waning Western European influence. Its era of dominance is over, a decline undeniable even if Western Europeans refuse to acknowledge it.
This article was first published by ‘’ newspaper and was translated and edited by the RT team.