The End of the 'Manual': Europe Post-American World 2025 and the New Order

They've shaken hands, but the fists remain clenched. Europe is currently experiencing a profound sense of vertigo as it realizes the U.S. no longer views the continent as its primary concern. According to SCMP, Bulgarian political scientist Ivan Krastev warns that the end of the liberal order isn't just a talking point anymore—it's a stark reality.

Europe Post-American World 2025: Facing the End of History

Krastev argues that while the shift became undeniable in 2025, its roots trace back to the Covid-19 pandemic. He points out a historical irony: while 'The End of History' was an American book, it served as the practical manual for Germany and much of Europe to navigate the post-Cold War world.

Being deprived of this familiar world is painful for the European Union. The psychological shock of a Washington that no longer prioritizes the transatlantic alliance has left Brussels searching for a new role in a faster, harsher global environment.

Middle Powers Jostling for a Seat

As the U.S. and China shape the macro-narrative, middle powers are aggressively filling the vacuum. While a melancholy Europe frets over its lost influence, these rising nations are actively securing their places at the big table, indifferent to the old liberal norms.