The latest U.S. National Security Strategy, labeled a "political war declaration" by former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, coupled with President Donald Trump's dismissive attitude in interviews, has left European diplomats in no mood for celebration.
Twilight of the Transatlantic Alliance At several European embassy Christmas parties last week, the atmosphere was palpably gloomy. A diplomat from a mid-sized European country confided, "The Western alliance is over. Things will never be the same again." Choosing anonymity to avoid diplomatic fallout, the diplomat added, "This statement is not for publication," as advised by political consultants.
Other European diplomats mingled at Washington’s famed embassy district receptions, nibbling hors d'oeuvres and drowning their sorrows in drinks. Few dared to openly comment on Trump’s disruptive impact on transatlantic relations—why invite trouble?
Silent Protest and Fragile Hope Given the Trump administration’s harsh treatment of outspoken diplomats, their silence is understandable. Last month, a Belgian defense attaché—a brigadier general—was forced to resign after Pentagon official Pete Hegseth took offense at his remark that the Trump administration was "characterized by chaos and unpredictability."
Yet, despite the reticence, a consensus emerged at the parties: Borrell’s call for European leaders to recognize Trump’s adversarial stance toward the continent and stop "hiding behind a deadly complacent silence" might be justified.
Psychologists might diagnose European diplomats in the U.S. as experiencing "socio-psychological disorientation"—a profound confusion about identity and future direction, triggered by the Trump administration’s break from the post-1945 international order established by Harry Truman and refined by successors. This disorientation was unheard of before Trump.
Coping requires transitional stages: first, accepting the loss of familiarity. Amid upheaval, people should stabilize themselves with manageable tasks—like organizing Christmas parties—gradually embracing change. The key to psychological rebuilding in turbulent times lies in cultivating the courage to accept uncertainty.
Europe’s Struggle Amid Mixed Signals As Trump upends the world, even seasoned diplomats remain in the early stages of adaptation. A deputy chief of mission from a Southeastern European embassy said, "Everything will return to normal after the next president takes office in two years."
Others whispered that Trump’s description of Europe as "decaying" had merit, echoing former ECB President Mario Draghi’s warnings about the bloc’s marginalization and decline unless it reforms swiftly. "Take action" was Draghi’s mantra. But while Draghi acted in Europe’s best interests, does Trump?
"Maybe," admitted one envoy, "but his actions might push us to become stronger, more capable allies." Yet, does Trump truly want a stronger Europe? He has claimed the EU was designed to "take advantage of the U.S."
Former Republican Congressman Robert Pittenger, a septuagenarian traditionalist, delivered a Reagan-esque speech extolling liberal democracy—unaware that Trump’s National Security Strategy explicitly rejects value-based diplomacy in favor of "what’s good for America."
What works now is cozying up to authoritarian rulers, not promoting democracy. Gone are the days of urging nations to adopt "democratic or social transformations alien to their historical traditions."
Some European diplomats, sipping seasonal cocktails and sampling canapés, still hope Trump’s rhetoric isn’t his true intent—that it can be moderated.
Vice President Vance’s explosive speech at the Munich Security Conference earlier this year sparked similar hopes. His MAGA-infused ultimatum—embrace Trump’s nationalist-populist ideology or lose defense guarantees and friendship—drew audible gasps.
Germany’s Defiance and Qatar’s Feast Not all diplomats in Washington are disoriented—some have adapted. Take the Germans: undeterred by biting winds, they hosted an outdoor Christmas market-themed party, serving glühwein and bratwurst. Ambassador Jens Hansfeldt joked, "Holding it indoors would be cheating."
Trump’s favoritism extends to gas-rich Qatar, which hosted a lavish National Day banquet at the National Building Museum, packed with Congress members, Trump officials, and D.C. elites.
The feast featured authentic Qatari cuisine and free-flowing drinks. "We’re very happy," beamed a Qatari diplomat.
The Gleam of Gold Beyond short-term diplomatic friction, the text reveals a deeper rupture in the post-WWII order. The U.S. shifts from "leader of the free world" to "transactional power," while Europe slides from "close ally" to "scrutinized rival." This fundamental role reversal will spawn decades of uncertainty.
Gold, the quintessential asset of such transformative eras, shines when alliances rust and rules fade. The current environment—collapsing strategic trust, broken ideological bonds, and shaky security frameworks—is tailor-made for a gold bull market.
Despite potential volatility, the structural, long-term drivers of gold’s rise are clear and powerful.
On Monday (December 15) during Asian trading hours, spot gold rose about 0.60%, extending its four-day rally after hitting $4,353.36/oz—a high since October 21.
(Spot Gold Daily Chart, Source: EasyForex) At 10:48 Beijing time, spot gold traded at $4,326.15/oz.
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