US Vice President JD Vance has called for greater European independence, criticizing the EU’s role in the Iraq War and suggesting that a more independent Europe could have altered its outcome.
US Vice President JD Vance has called for greater European independence, urging countries not to be seen as ‘US vassals.’ He also believes that EU governments could have done more to oppose Washington over the Iraq War. In a recent interview with UnHerd, Vance expressed his views on Europe’s role in international affairs.
JD Vance was born on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio.
He grew up in a troubled home with a mother who struggled with addiction.
Vance attended the local public high school but dropped out to attend Oakwood High School.
He later enrolled at Thomas Worthington High School but eventually transferred to the Ohio Military Academy.
After graduating from the academy, Vance enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served two tours of duty in Iraq.
Following his military service, Vance attended Yale University on a full scholarship and graduated with a degree in classics.
The Importance of European Independence
Vance emphasized that it is good for the United States if Europe is more independent, allowing countries to ‘stand up’ to US foreign policy decisions. He pointed out that many European nations were correct about the folly of the US-led invasion of Iraq and that they could have been more robust in their opposition to then-US President George W Bush‘s White House.
European independence movements began to take shape in the late 18th century, with the French Revolution's emphasis on liberty and equality.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen ('1789'), influenced thinkers across Europe, inspiring demands for self-governance.
Nationalist sentiment grew throughout the continent, culminating in the unification of Italy (1861) and Germany (1871).
By the early 20th century, many European nations had achieved independence from imperial powers.
A Missed Opportunity for Europe
Vance believes that if European nations had been more independent, the outcome of the Iraq War might have been different. He stated, ‘I think a lot of European nations were right about our invasion of Iraq. And frankly, if the Europeans had been a little more independent, and a little more willing to stand up, then maybe we could have saved the entire world from the strategic disaster that was the American-led invasion of Iraq.’
The Iraq War was a result of a complex mix of factors, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the invasion of Afghanistan.
The US government accused Saddam Hussein's regime of possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), which led to a buildup of international pressure on Iraq.
In March 2003, a coalition of forces led by the United States invaded Iraq, citing humanitarian concerns and self-defense as justification.
A Divided Europe on Iraq
During the lead-up to the Iraq War, European nations were split on the issue. German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder was vocal in opposing the war, while French President Jacques Chirac publicly stated that France would veto any UN resolution authorizing war. Other countries, such as Belgium and Greece, supported the Franco-German opposition, while the UK, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Denmark supported the US-led invasion.
Vance‘s Criticism of European Leadership
Vance has also criticized European leaders for their approach to defense spending and immigration policies. He has accused them of being too dependent on exporting to the United States and of failing to listen to voters on these issues. In a chat group message reported by The Atlantic magazine, Vance stated, ‘I just hate bailing Europe out again.’
A Complex Relationship with Europe
Vance‘s comments on European independence and the Iraq War are part of a broader critique of European leadership that he has expressed in recent months. His approach to Europe is combative, and he has used his platform as US Vice President to challenge the continent’s policies and values. While Vance‘s views on Europe are likely to be contentious, they reflect a deep-seated skepticism about the continent’s ability to stand up for itself in international affairs.
