The Atlantic is Getting Choppy
So, here’s the deal—Washington isn’t thrilled with Europe right now, and Europe isn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for US concerns either. The big issue? The US feels like Europe, particularly Germany, isn’t pulling its weight. Think of it like a group project where one person (the US) keeps doing most of the work, while their partner (Europe) contributes just enough to avoid failing but still gets full credit. And that’s leading to some serious resentment.
The Biden administration (and let’s be honest, previous ones too) has been pushing European nations to up their defense spending, deal more effectively with mass migration, and rethink aggressive Net Zero policies that could backfire economically. Germany, in particular, is under the microscope. While Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised a massive defense overhaul post-Ukraine invasion, progress has been sluggish. The US is basically saying, "We can’t keep footing the bill for European security while you guys debate policies that make energy more expensive and borders more open."
What’s the risk? A widening rift in US-European relations could weaken NATO’s unity at a time when Russia and China are watching closely. If Europe doesn’t step up, Washington might pivot further toward its own interests—meaning less patience for European hesitation and more pressure on Berlin to stop playing defense on the sidelines.
The AfD and the Right-Wing Surge in Germany
And speaking of German politics, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The party has been surging in polls, tapping into public frustration over mass migration, economic stagnation, and an establishment that many feel is out of touch.
For those unfamiliar, the AfD brands itself as the only party willing to confront these issues head-on. They’re all about stricter borders, questioning Net Zero policies, and demanding stronger national sovereignty. The political establishment is hitting the panic button, with major parties working to isolate the AfD, even considering legal moves to ban them. This raises a thorny question: does blocking a rising party strengthen democracy, or does it just make populism more appealing?
A hypothetical but entirely plausible scenario: Suppose the AfD gains significant power in regional elections. If the government then moves to restrict its influence through legal maneuvers rather than political debate, supporters might argue this proves their point—namely, that the system is rigged against outsiders. Sound familiar? This is a playbook seen in various Western democracies where populist movements, whether left or right, gain traction when people feel ignored.
Media Bias: Playing the Referee or Picking a Team?
Then there’s the media—always a key player in shaping elections. Critics argue that mainstream German media isn’t exactly playing fair when it comes to covering parties like the AfD. Just look at the way interviews are framed: leading questions, selective editing, and an overall tone that treats certain candidates as inherently dangerous while giving establishment figures a free pass.
This isn’t just a German issue. Media bias, whether subtle or overt, has been a growing concern worldwide. When major news outlets openly side with the political mainstream, it risks pushing skeptical voters further toward so-called "fringe" parties. Think about it—if you keep telling someone their concerns are illegitimate or extremist, they’re probably going to double down.
Election manipulation doesn’t always mean outright fraud. It can be as simple as who gets the most favorable airtime, whose policies are scrutinized the hardest, and how debates are framed. Take, for example, the repeated focus on AfD’s more controversial figures rather than their policy proposals. It’s a strategic move that keeps the discussion on personalities rather than issues voters actually care about.
Where Do We Go From Here?
So, what’s next? If Europe continues to lag on defense spending and struggles with political instability, Washington might start playing hardball. That could mean trade tensions, reduced security commitments, or even a shift in priorities toward the Indo-Pacific, where the US is already more invested in countering China.
As for Germany, the AfD’s rise isn’t just about one party—it’s about growing discontent with the political status quo. If establishment parties continue to dismiss populist concerns rather than addressing them, they might find themselves facing an even larger wave of voter frustration down the line.
And the media? Well, if public trust continues to erode, we might see more voters turning to alternative news sources, which could either democratize information or lead to an even more fractured media landscape. Either way, the battle over who controls the narrative is far from over.
Bottom line: The US and Europe are at a crossroads. Both sides need to recalibrate their expectations and contributions to keep the alliance strong. Meanwhile, Germany’s political landscape is shifting, and how the establishment responds will shape its future—and possibly that of transatlantic relations as well.
