In international politics, alliances are built on a delicate balance of interests, shared threats, and mutual trust. Even in unequal partnerships, the relationship is carefully preserved with at least the appearance of free choice and willing participation.

But Donald Trump’s recent threat against Spain—that if it does not join the war against Iran, trade relations will be severed—marks a troubling shift in how the United States manages its alliances. The widespread alarm across Europe stems from precisely this fear: that Washington is moving beyond expecting allies to join sanctions or diplomatic pressure, and entering an era where refusing to participate in a war of choice could trigger direct economic punishment.

If this pattern takes hold, the consequences will reach far beyond a temporary spat between Washington and Madrid. It risks quietly eroding the psychological and political foundations of many longstanding American alliances.

To grasp why this feels so sensitive in Europe, we must remember how the United States has historically treated its partners. Even in the most tense moments, Washington generally avoided turning military disagreements into outright economic coercion. During the 2003 Iraq War, Bush faced fierce open opposition from France and Germany—yet Washington never threatened to sever trade ties if they refused to join the fight. The reason was clear: alliances that endure over decades........

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