The world is changing rapidly. Power balances are being redrawn. Just 10–15 years ago, the United States, the European Union, Russia, China, India, Israel, and dozens of other countries were engaged in various alliances, partnerships, or rapprochements.

But in that short span of time, these alliances, partnerships, and rapprochements have fallen apart.

What has happened in the world?

The U.S.–Russia rapprochement has reversed. Any prospect of joint action was blocked. Harsh political clashes and mutual accusations ensued. Allegations surfaced that Putin had interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections to help Trump win. U.S.–Russia relations collapsed.

Brexit and the Disintegration of the EU

Meanwhile, Brexit took the United Kingdom out of the European Union in 2020, tarnishing the EU’s once-promising image. Speculation began over whether the Union would face further exits and eventual disintegration.

The Ukraine War Shattered the “Crusader World”

The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2022, struck like a bomb at the heart of the Western alliance. The conflict pushed the U.S. and Russia even further apart. Europe and the U.S. became hostile toward Moscow and imposed heavy sanctions.

Although belonging to different branches of Christianity—and at times acting with a shared “Crusader spirit”—the U.S., Europe, and Russia became bitter adversaries.

U.S.–Europe Relations and the Transatlantic Rift

When Russia was banned from selling oil and gas to Europe, Washington’s stance became: “I’m providing your security, and you’ll pay the price for it.” This left Europe facing a “the lesser of two evils” dilemma. Forced to bow to U.S. demands, European governments saw public discontent rise, driven by inflation and declining purchasing power. Transatlantic relations suffered a major loss of trust and credibility—and they will never be the same again. U.S.–Europe ties are rapidly unraveling.

The Collapse of U.S.–China Relations

The fortress of capitalism, the United States, once saw China as a cheap manufacturing hub, with thousands of major companies setting up........

© Stratejik Düşünce Enstitüsü