We should realise that what’s happening now in the US could also be a temporary situation and probably the Americans will on the short term restore their old values and become again the land where key values like freedom, liberty, equality and democracy will again be the key driver for their policies.

On January 6, 1941, President Roosevelt gave his vision for a humane world in a speech to the United States Congress about the commitment of the US to the Four Freedoms which should apply for all countries worldwide:

• Freedom of Speech: the best defense against destruction of democracy;
• Freedom of Worship: our weapon against intolerance and fanaticism;
• Freedom from Want: the promise to eradicate famine, poverty and epidemics;
• Freedom from Fear: a freedom dependent on collective security, a concept propagated by the US within the United Nations.

These values are still supported by a lot of Americans but challenged by the current administration. Future US-leaders will need to restore these values where damage is done and this will take time, but I’m convinced the American people will in the end realise that what’s happening right now is not in line with the values which made the US so successful. 

Living in a world with only enemies around you and focusing only on your own welfare is not a successful strategy on the long term. For this reason the European countries should focus on keeping an open discussion with the current leadership of the US and live themselves according of the values which made the US great.