I know this is a bold thesis. It is meant to provoke thought and encourage debate. Here are some of the considerations that led me to it:
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Europe depends on US military protection, and the US uses this “alliance” as leverage -> NATO gives Washington structural influence over European security choices.
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US tech firms dominate Europe’s cloud and software stack, creating digital dependency. Also, European data often sits under infrastructure exposed to US legal and corporate power.
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Russian energy dependence was a problem for Europe when the Ukraine war started. The US were quite eager when it came to “help” by replacing the Russian energy dependence with American energy dependence.
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US sanctions policy often forces Europe to absorb costs for Washington’s geopolitical priorities.
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American platforms shape European speech, commerce, administration, and most importantly: public debate.
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“Strategic autonomy” exists as a slogan because dependency is already the default.
Interesting point. My gut feeling tells me the opposite, since the tone of the discourse between the blocs changed to the worse. And Europe still likes to appease the US. But I see your point. US soft power slowly erodes away.
Look some of your points were more true in the 20th century than today.
Military protection was a big deal during the Cold War. But today? Russia is too weak and the America can’t protect sea routes.
Energy dependance? Renewables are on the rise and the petrodollar’s days are numbered when this current oil crisis continues.
American tech is at a critical point. When the AI bubble bursts, you will see so much more enshittification and price hikes to recover costs. FOSS alternatives get their time to shine.
Fast, not slowly. The change in attitudes has been far bigger than you imagine.
Indeed, there’s a very noticeable anti-american sentiment among so many I talk to, these days.
E.g. a dude at work mentioned just the other day how he found it hard not to use youtube but he strived to at least not watch American channels. Also at work, ongoing discussions on how to best lessen dependency on US products/services, since orange made it clear we can’t depend on the US as a reliable partner and in turn nor the companies that call it home.
IMHO: the change has been neck-breakingly fast. It’s only a year since the annoying orange has taken power and the Europeans have realised that the structures with the Americans only take one malevolent cunt to damage the entire continent. Remember, before Trump, the EU was beyond friendly with the Americans. And in one year the MAGA cult and Trump completely destroyed more than 70 years of the transatlantic relationship. That’s an accomplishment, he managed to do something that no other European could for the past 70 years. And there’s no going back to the US dependence after this spectacular failure.