The contradictions between European ambitions and Atlantic realities – a contemporary geopolitical reading

Ali RASTBEEN

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Executive summary: The article examines the contradictions between European ambitions and the geopolitical realities of the Atlantic area. Since the 17th century, the Atlantic has been a matrix of – Europe: colonial expansion, commercial domination, strategic role during world wars and the creation of NATO in 1949, which anchors security dependence on the United States. Today, the European Union is showing the will to become a power of equilibrium, with strategic autonomy and overall normative capacity. It seeks to impose its standards of trade, environment and human rights, while diversifying its energy supplies and securing its maritime routes. However, these ambitions face several realities. On the security front, Europe remains dependent on the American umbrella, as the war in Ukraine showed. At the economic level, it suffers from the effects of American protectionism, notably the Inflation Reduction Act, and struggles to contain China’s growing influence in the South Atlantic. Politically, it proclaims diplomacy based on universal values, but gives priority to its energy and strategic interests, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Thus, the Atlantic reveals three major contradictions: between strategic autonomy and military dependence; between normative power and economic vulnerabilities; between proclaimed values and political pragmatism. The future of Europe will depend on its ability to overcome these obstacles and become a real strategic player. Otherwise, it may remain a normative but subordinate power in an Atlantic order dominated by others.

Keywords: Europe, European Union, Geopolitics, Atlantic Order, NATO, Balance Power, Strategic Autonomy, American Umbrella, War in Ukraine, Protectionism, China, Military Dependence, Normative Power, Political Pragmatism, Values, Strategic Actor.

Abstract: This article explores the contradictions between the European Union’s ambitions and the geopolitical realities of the Atlantic space . Historically, the Atlantic has been a source of European power, from colonial expansion and global trade to its strategic role during the world wars and the creation of NATO, which cemented Europe’s security dependence on the United States. Today, the EU aspires to become a “balancing power,” pursuing strategic autonomy and projecting itself as a normative power in trade, human rights, and environmental standards. It also seeks energy diversification and maritime security. Yet, these ambitions collide with reality. In security, Europe remains dependent on the U.S., as the war in Ukraine has highlighted. Economically, the EU is vulnerable to U.S. protectionist policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, while struggling against China’s growing presence in the South Atlantic. Politically, it proclaims universal values but often prioritizes pragmatic interests, particularly in energy partnerships and African relations. The Atlantic thus exposes three key contradictions: 1. Strategic autonomy vs. military dependence; 2. Normative power vs. economic vulnerabilities; 3. Declared values vs. pragmatic interests. Europe’s future role in the Atlantic will depend on its ability to overcome these contradictions. Otherwise, it risks remaining a normative yet non-strategic actor, subordinated within an Atlantic order shaped by others.

Keywords: Europe, European Union, Geopolitics, Atlantic Order, NATO, Balancing Power, Strategic Autonomy, American Umbrella, War in Ukraine, Protectionism, China, Military Dependence, Normative Power, Political Pragmatism, Values, Strategic Actor.