The first three weeks of 2026 have triggered a seismic shift in the global landscape, potentially reshaping international relations for decades to come. According to a prominent economic commentator, recent events have shaken the very foundations upon which global stability has rested.
This period is being compared to moments of profound historical change, suggesting that a few weeks have contained the equivalent of decades worth of transformation. The established pillars of Western unity, the interconnected global economy, and the stability of the US-led financial system are all facing unprecedented challenges.
One significant event cited is the US administration’s pursuit of Greenland, including the potential use of force against a NATO member. This action has sent shockwaves across Europe, signaling a potential turning point in transatlantic relations. Some analysts are drawing parallels to the fall of the Berlin Wall, suggesting the end of a unified ‘West’ based on shared values and the dawn of an era where even NATO allies face the threat of economic and potentially other forms of coercion.
The implications of such actions are far-reaching, potentially signaling the end of NATO as we know it. This willingness to embrace such risk has led world leaders to view the United States with a newfound sense of apprehension. While NATO remains intact for now, and trade agreements are still in place, market volatility reflects the underlying anxiety surrounding the potential unraveling of political and economic institutions that have bound the West together for decades.
The crux of the issue lies in a fundamental divergence between the United States and Europe regarding shared values. While Europeans emphasize democracy, freedom, and human rights, some within the US administration prioritize shared history and culture. This difference in perspective is fueling a growing rift that threatens to undermine the foundations of the transatlantic alliance.
In Latin America, recent actions in Venezuela, including the ousting of its leader, are being interpreted as a modern iteration of a historical foreign policy doctrine, but driven by resource acquisition rather than the promotion of democracy. This shift in approach raises concerns about the future of US foreign policy and its impact on global stability.
