‘Western Civilization’ Is a MAGA Dog Whistle
Foreign Policy
by Philip H. GordonFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech at the Munich Security Conference aimed to reassure anxious Europeans that the United States remains committed to its security alliance with Europe under President Donald Trump. While he emphasized the importance of the transatlantic partnership, Rubio shifted the foundation of this relationship away from traditional pillars like defending against Russian threats or upholding shared liberal democratic values. Instead, he proposed basing the alliance on an ill-defined concept of “Western civilization,” rooted in centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, and heritage.
This redefinition of the U.S.-Europe partnership is problematic for several reasons. First, it relies on a vague and inconsistent notion of Western identity that excludes millions of Americans and Europeans who do not subscribe to the same cultural or religious values. This shift also risks alienating allies by prioritizing ideological unity over practical security concerns. Furthermore, Rubio’s focus on “Western civilization” aligns with the MAGA (Make America Great Again) agenda, which emphasizes nostalgia for a perceived golden past and appeals to populist supporters in Europe who may be hostile to the U.S. while sympathetic to Russia.
The Trump administration’s decision to abandon traditional pillars of NATO cooperation is concerning for European allies. At a time when Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine and global instability grows, relying on an abstract concept like “Western civilization” undermines the concrete shared interests that have historically underpinned the transatlantic alliance. This shift not only risks fracturing trust between the U.S. and Europe but also sets a dangerous precedent for future partnerships based on vague and exclusionary principles.
Ultimately, Rubio’s speech reflects a broader trend in the Trump administration to redefine alliances around ideological rather than strategic goals. While it may appeal to certain political factions, this approach threatens the stability and unity of NATO, which has been a cornerstone of international security for decades. For readers interested in politics, understanding how these shifts impact U.S.-European relations is critical, as they could have far-reaching consequences for global stability and cooperation.
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/24/2026