Rearm Europe could fortify new alliances

Donald Trump's disdain for Nato is well documented. He believes member countries have been 'taking advantage' of the US, and insists Europe should more than double its contributions to collective defence. Across the Atlantic, Europe is confronting the stark reality that it can no longer rely on the post-World War 2 security architecture and Nato's 'all for one and one for all' principle - a point Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly underscored in recent times. In response, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen recently unveiled ReArm Europe - an ₹800 bn plan to increase defence spending, calling it 'a watershed moment for Europe' and for Ukraine. The plan, aimed at deterring Russia, proposes giving member states more budgetary flexibility to make significant investments in their defence capabilities without risking financial sanctions for excessive deficits.

This shift could breathe new life into Europe's stagnant industrialisation, much like the war industry once did for the US. For post-colonial nations like India, whose defence sector is poised to ride the global rearmament wave, the EU's ReArm plan holds promising benefits. Investments and collaborations in defence manufacturing, supply chains and the Indo-Pacific are already on the table, setting the stage for mutual gains. If executed well, this partnership could strengthen both economies while shaping a new world order.

The US will remain a key global player, but the genie is out of the bottle. As Europe grows more self-reliant and autonomous - navigating without the security of its long-standing transatlantic ties - it must build new alliances with India, South Africa and Brazil to forge a world order that reflects 2025, where might is not right.