 |
| Professor Jeffrey Sachs |
On 19 February 2025, the European Parliament witnessed a remarkable and deeply thought-provoking address by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, one of the world’s most influential economists and public intellectuals. Speaking at an event titled The Geopolitics of Peace, hosted by former UN Assistant Secretary-General and current BSW MEP Michael von der Schulenburg, Sachs laid bare the uncomfortable truth about US power and Europe’s subordination to it. His words carried weight not just because of his academic reputation but also because they spoke directly to the growing unease in Europe about its foreign policy direction.
- Sachs’ most striking remark—“To be an enemy of the United States is dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal”—echoed throughout the packed hall. It was not just a soundbite; it was a warning, a reminder, and perhaps even a call to action for Europe to reclaim its independence in global affairs.
The Message from Jeffrey Sachs
- Professor Sachs is no stranger to controversial truths. Known for his candid criticism of American foreign interventions, he urged Europe to develop a realistic foreign policy that acknowledges Russia’s situation, Europe’s own interests, and the true nature of American power. His intervention was both timely and necessary, given the ongoing geopolitical shifts.
He reminded European policymakers that aligning blindly with Washington’s interests often brings more harm than good. For Sachs, the transatlantic alliance has tilted too far into subordination, leaving Europe exposed to risks it does not fully own and crises it does not fully control.
The key message was clear: Europe must act as Europe, not as a junior partner in America’s global strategies.
Europe’s Subordination to US Power
- The event highlighted the long-standing critique that the European Union has allowed itself to function largely as an extension of US foreign policy. From NATO’s interventions to the sanctions regimes imposed on countries such as Russia, Iran, and beyond, Europe has too often prioritised American interests over its own.
This subordination has carried severe costs. For instance, the Ukraine conflict has left Europe bearing the brunt of economic disruption, energy insecurity, and political division, while the US has emerged relatively insulated. Sachs’ warning that being a friend of America can prove “fatal” rings especially true in this context. Europe, he suggested, has been dragged into confrontations that undermine its economic stability and social fabric.
The Call for a Real Foreign Policy
Jeffrey Sachs urged Europe to pursue a real foreign policy. But what does “real” mean in this context? According to Sachs, a real policy must:
-
Acknowledge Russia’s security concerns rather than treating them as illegitimate.
-
Prioritise Europe’s economic and energy needs, which differ sharply from America’s.
-
Understand America’s global posture, which he characterised as being driven less by peace and stability and more by power projection.
-
Promote diplomacy over militarisation, reducing Europe’s reliance on US-led security frameworks.
Such a reorientation would allow Europe to act in its own interests, balancing relations with both East and West rather than being caught in perpetual confrontation.
Michael von der Schulenburg’s Role
- The event’s host, Michael von der Schulenburg, provided the perfect platform for Sachs’ message. As a former UN Assistant Secretary-General and now a German MEP with the BSW (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht) party, von der Schulenburg has consistently advocated for peace-first approaches to international relations.
By bringing Sachs to the European Parliament, he ensured that this vital conversation about Europe’s independence, sovereignty, and future strategy reached the right ears at a critical moment.
The Historical Context
Sachs’ warning must also be seen against the backdrop of history. For decades, Europe has walked a tightrope between strategic autonomy and Atlanticist loyalty. The Cold War entrenched NATO as the guarantor of Europe’s defence, but the post-Cold War years have revealed growing contradictions.
-
During the Iraq War in 2003, Europe split between those aligned with Washington and those resisting it.
-
The Libya intervention of 2011 left behind chaos, with European countries questioning the wisdom of military involvement.
-
The Ukraine war has once again exposed Europe’s dependence on US policy choices, particularly in energy and defence.
Jeffrey Sachs’ remarks serve as a reminder that history offers repeated lessons: when Europe follows America blindly, it often pays a higher price than the US itself.
Why This Matters for Europe’s Future
For ordinary Europeans, Sachs’ words strike a deeper chord. Energy prices, disrupted trade routes, and rising inflation are not abstract concepts—they affect livelihoods directly. The US, thanks to its geography and self-sufficiency in energy, can weather such crises more easily, while Europe struggles.
- If Europe does not redefine its path, Sachs warned, it risks becoming a casualty of Washington’s confrontational worldview. An independent foreign policy would not mean cutting ties with America but rather engaging with it on equal terms, ensuring European priorities are not sidelined.
Building an Independent European Voice
So, what could an independent European foreign policy look like?
-
Strategic Autonomy in Defence – Developing European capabilities to reduce reliance on NATO.
-
Balanced Diplomacy – Engaging with Russia, China, and other global players without defaulting to US positions.
-
Economic Sovereignty – Protecting European industries from sanctions and trade wars dictated by external powers.
-
Energy Independence – Pursuing diverse and sustainable energy partnerships that reduce vulnerability.
-
Peace-First Strategy – Promoting diplomacy, conflict resolution, and dialogue as Europe’s global trademarks.
By embracing these principles, Europe could reposition itself as a global mediator rather than a participant in great-power rivalries.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Europe
The speech by Professor Jeffrey Sachs in the European Parliament on 19 February 2025 should not be seen as just another academic lecture. It was a wake-up call. His warning that “being a friend of the United States is fatal” must be taken seriously if Europe is to chart a secure and prosperous future.
With voices like Sachs and von der Schulenburg challenging the status quo, the debate on Europe’s foreign policy independence is gaining momentum. The question is whether Europe’s leaders have the courage to act—or whether they will continue to walk the path of subordination, risking not just their credibility but the wellbeing of their citizens.
For Europe, the choice is stark but simple: remain a follower in America’s shadow or step into its own light.
No comments:
Post a Comment