'Civilizational erasure' in Europe? How to respond to Trump

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Europe Edition - Today's top story: Europe must reject Trump's nonsense accusations of 'civilizational erasure' – but it urgently needs a strategy of its own View in browser   Europe Edition | 11 December 2025 The incendiary claim from the US that Europe faces "civilizational erasure" merits consideration – not because it's true but because European leaders must now decide how to respond. In a national security strategy clearly intended to antagonise, the Trump administration blames Europe's problems on "transnational bodies that undermine political liberty and sovereignty, migration policies that are transforming the continent and creating strife, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, cratering birth rates, and loss of national identities and self-confidence". There's a school of thought that says the US has been able to spin this narrative precisely because Europe has not produced a narrative of its own. What is the continent's alternative vision for the world and how does it intend to lead it if the US won't? Some recommendations here on what the foundations of an alternative strategy could look like. The US strategy makes for an admittedly fascinating read. It is the biggest indication yet of Trump's worldview. An international relations specialist has identified three of its key themes for those who want to know what's in it but would rather not endure the whole document. In Spain, a precarious political situation is emerging thanks to the increased popularity of a far-right Catalan party. The anti-immigration Aliança Catalana is gaining ground, and traditional rightwing party Junts is clearly feeling the pressure, toughening its own stance on migration and "breaking off" relations with Madrid. With Junts a partner in Pedro Sánchez's already fragile national coalition, any loss of support could be disastrous for the national government. And in the art world, organised crime is running amok. Be it by laundering money through valuable works or by profiting from the ease with which fraudulent pieces can be passed off as the real deal, gangs can make a healthy living from buying and selling paintings. You might be surprised to learn quite how lucrative the art game can be. Laura Hood Senior Politics Editor, London Europe must reject Trump's nonsense accusations of 'civilizational erasure' – but it urgently needs a strategy of its own Francesco Grillo, Bocconi University The US is wrong to try to impose its worldview on Europe – but it has been able to do so because European leaders don't have a strategy of their own. New US national security strategy adds to Ukraine's woes and exacerbates Europe's dilemmas Stefan Wolff, University of Birmingham; Tetyana Malyarenko, National University Odesa Law Academy Washington is no longer a reliable ally for either Ukraine or Europe. What the US national security strategy tells us about how Trump views the world Andrew Gawthorpe, Leiden University The Trump administration is highly critical of Europe in its national security strategy, while barely mentioning the threats posed by rival great powers. Why the rise of a new far-right party in Catalonia spells danger for the Spanish government Asbel Bohigues, Universitat de València Aliança Catalana is pro-independence, anti-immigration – and a major threat to Pedro Sánchez' fragile coalition. Why art is a prime target for organised crime Guergana Guintcheva, EDHEC Business School; Bertrand Monnet, EDHEC Business School The art market attracts money-laundering activities. How can it better protect itself? How neuromuscular training helps growing teens to retain their motor skills Elena Mainer Pardos, Universidad San Jorge; Rafael Albalad Aiguabella, Universidad San Jorge Teenagers may seem clumsy, but some simple exercises can help their development. 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They are increasingly unwelcome in a country where politics have swung sharply right. In Kyiv, I saw how art can help hold a city together in the shadow of war Kathrin Maurer, University of Southern Denmark Amid air sirens and sandbagged streets, Kyiv's art scene offers unexpected glimpses of life, reflection and the human spirit. Sweden's mining industry is threatening the Indigenous Sami people's way of life Georgia de Leeuw, Lund University The Indigenous Sami in the far north of Sweden say intensive industrial projects pose risks to their way of life.         You're receiving this newsletter from The Conversation The Conversation France (assoc. 1901) 14, rue Sainte-Cécile 75009 Paris Forward to a friend  •  Unsubscribe