Europe and America Meet in Europe—Rupture, Rift, Revival?

In this episode of "World Review," Ivo Daalder, Alexander Ward of the Wall Street Journal, Steven Erlanger of the New York Times, and Karin Axelsson of Politiken explore significant geopolitical developments as of February 14, 2026. 

You’ll discover how European leaders are fiercely defending their version of the rules-based order against American actions they see as disruptive, from Greenland to NATO. They dive into the underlying threats: Russia’s military posture, China’s ambitions, and the battle over global influence. They unpack the sharp differences between Vance and Rubio, illustrating the disconnect between external threats and internal priorities driving U. S. and European policies.
We break down the shifting perceptions around NATO’s core threat focus, the debate over strategic autonomy, and the future of transatlantic trust. Why do Europeans feel they must defend a world order that the U.S. seems ready to abandon? What’s ultimately at stake if this fragile alliance fractures? And, crucially, what happens next — will we see a rupture or a pivotal opportunity to rebuild? 

If you’re curious about how global powers are recalibrating their relationships amid chaos, and what that means for the future of international stability, this episode is your essential guide. Perfect for policymakers, students of geopolitics, or anyone wondering whether the old rules still matter — or if a new order is emerging in real time.