In a surprising revival of discussions surrounding the concept of ‘greatness,’ former US President Donald Trump has reinvigorated a dialogue once deemed imperialist. As the United States and the West confront modern challenges, the reflections on what has propelled their greatness—and what is required to rejuvenate it—are particularly timely.
At a meeting held on April 18, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emerged as a prominent advocate for this resurgence, proclaiming that the idea of making America great again should be paralleled by making the West great again. Trump, resonating with her sentiment, agreed on the necessity of a united effort to promote Western greatness.
Six months prior, Meloni had emphasized the need for a joint Western nationalism, coining the term ‘civilizational nationalism.’ This notion supports the distinct identities of individual Western nations while simultaneously promoting a shared pride that can fortify them.
Meloni argues that a collective sense of pride in Western civilization can reinforce national pride and stabilize nations facing internal and external pressures. The identity of the United States has historically been intertwined with its Western roots, suggesting that American greatness is inherently linked to the unity and prosperity of the broader transatlantic community.
The concept of American greatness can be delineated across three concentric spheres:
The first, ‘Great America,’ encompasses the fifty states that form the United States of America.
The second sphere, ‘Greater America,’ refers to the special arrangements and concessions acquired in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including territories such as Guam and control of the Panama Canal Zone.
Finally, the ‘Greatest America’ extends into a vast alliance system cultivated during the two World Wars and solidified under US leadership post-1945. This sphere includes much of Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan—regions united under collective goals and interests.
Among these, ‘Greatest America’ stands as a remarkable global power, boasting a GDP that surpasses that of the inner United States, with a population and resources that enhance its strategic advantages. Meloni’s discussions emphasize this collective that contributes to and amplifies American and Western strength.
The narrative of Western greatness began before the United States itself came into being, as European powers began transatlantic expansion post-1492, forming what can be described as a ‘Greater Europe’—a precursor to the present-day concept of ‘Greater West.’ This interconnectedness became further pronounced when America itself reached back into Europe after 1900, establishing a cohesive Western identity.
After 1945, the formal organization of the West allowed for unprecedented collaboration, dampening historical conflicts that had plagued the region for centuries. This unity permitted the West to transcend its geographical constraints and envelop Japan and its neighbors into its too-close-to-home framework.
This new alliance exemplified a shift toward mutual growth, facilitating both European and American powers in enhancing their status and security, fostering a powerful and unified Western front. However, as this arrangement has matured, the complacency toward its strengths and stability has become evident.
In recent conversations, Trump has suggested leaning more on the reliability of the internal framework of the United States as opposed to the external alliances within the Greater West. His proposals, which evoke memories of territorial expansions during the turn of the 20th century, have received mixed receptions. The idea of extending US influence over areas like Greenland and revisiting control over Panama has sparked fervent nationalist sentiments in those regions, complicating prospective arrangements.
The subsequent political shifts within Canada, exhibiting a strong nationalistic backlash against perceived American encroachments, highlight the challenges such proposals face. Historically, these same tensions accompanied earlier expansions of American territory and influence. Predictions of disunity have surrounded the United States since its inception and have been echoed concerning its international alliances over the past seventy years.
Yet, the ‘Greatest America’—the interconnected Western framework—has consistently emerged more robust after periods of tension. The cyclical nature of these conflicts reminds us that fear of collapse within this system has repeatedly underestimated the resilience and shared goals of the nations involved.
As concerns begin to rise anew about the future of the West, it is crucial to recall the historical context surrounding previous expansions. Figures like former President Theodore Roosevelt and naval historian Alfred Mahan historically viewed trans-Pacific engagements as avenues to strengthen transatlantic connections, a perspective that holds relevance today.
The overarching sentiment suggests that the collective ties binding Americans to their Western allies remain strong enough to withstand contemporary challenges. While current tensions may appear pronounced, they are merely reflections of a long-standing negotiation of identity and influence. Historical patterns indicate that unity, driven by mutual interests, can prevail, reinforcing the premise that Western greatness is enduring.
The specters of doom that haunt discussions of the West’s future—and have manifested throughout its history—are often misguided. As the narrative unfolds and leaders like Trump and Meloni contribute to a shared vision of revitalizing Western greatness, it becomes paramount to transcend temporary inertia and strive for a future that embraces collaboration and unity.
In conclusion, this revival of the idea of greatness poses an opportunity not just to reaffirm individual national identities but to recognize the collective potential of the West as a formidable force. The dialogues initiated by Trump and Meloni serve as a wake-up call for both American and Western societies to engage in a renaissance of shared purpose and cooperative strengthening, preparing them for the realities of a global landscape continuously in flux.
image source from：https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/how-to-make-both-the-us-and-the-west-great-again/
