Bangladesh, April 15 -- In a candid and provocative statement that underscores the growing transatlantic divide, US Vice President J.D. Vance has warned that Europe can no longer remain a “permanent security vassal” of the United States. His remarks, made during an April 14 interview with UnHerd, come amid a confluence of geopolitical tensions and renewed pressure from the Trump administration for NATO allies to drastically increase their defense spending.

Vances declaration challenges a decades-long status quo, one in which European security has largely depended on American military power and strategic leadership. With European militaries underfunded and structurally reliant on US support, his comments signal a fundamental s...