| The Old Continent was not expected to be at the heart of the first US presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump last night (11 September), so it was no surprise that it only cropped up in the context of the Ukraine war and defence spending. It is no secret among defence experts and European diplomats that the US presidential election in November will significantly impact the continent’s security. So why did last night’s debate matter? Despite becoming more conscious of building up their capabilities, Europeans remain heavily reliant on US intelligence, arms, and technology. This, in turn, feeds concerns about what would happen if Washington one day abandoned Europe, leaving it to its own fate. But while Europe worries, America is innovating and preparing to send us the financial bill at the end of the year. Yes, the spectre of former Republican President Donald Trump suggesting he would abandon European allies to Moscow if they did not pay their share towards NATO’s security and the ensuing chaos that will unfold is scary. The same goes when he states he will bring peace to Ukraine immediately. Many think a Harris administration could be calmer, quieter, and more business as usual, but let us not forget that it was not all rosy under the Democrats. | 