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The Netherlands is traditionally one of America's staunchest allies. Atlanticism runs deep.
But what does the Dutch population think of today's transatlantic relations, European strategic autonomy, and a 'Cold War' with China?
We took the Dutch pulse. (N = 23.000)
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But what does the Dutch population think of today's transatlantic relations, European strategic autonomy, and a 'Cold War' with China?
We took the Dutch pulse. (N = 23.000)
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The Dutch are pivoting to 'more Europe'.
72% of the Dutch population support deeper cooperation with France & Germany, in light of Brexit and Trump's America First policies.
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72% of the Dutch population support deeper cooperation with France & Germany, in light of Brexit and Trump's America First policies.
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Interestingly, even among the Eurosceptics (those that support PVV, Forum, SGP), more people support deeper cooperation with Berlin & Paris, then do not.
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On a side-note: those that do not support more cooperation with Germany/ France, also tend to take a negative view of migration and want a military that can do everything by itself. We call them the "Sovereignists".
In NL, there is a large majority of "Europeanists".
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In NL, there is a large majority of "Europeanists".
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So why this turn to Europe? And does it have something to do with views of the US?
Well, the Dutch population doesn't think it can count on the US anymore.
79% of cloggies think it is likely/ very likely that, within 5 years, the US will reduce its protection of Europe.
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Well, the Dutch population doesn't think it can count on the US anymore.
79% of cloggies think it is likely/ very likely that, within 5 years, the US will reduce its protection of Europe.
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And in terms of Dutch threat perceptions, the United States only scores marginally better than China or Russia.
29% see US as a threat, as opposed to China (35%) and Russia (36%).
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29% see US as a threat, as opposed to China (35%) and Russia (36%).
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This might look bad... and it kinda is.
We also asked what they think of a 'new Cold War' between the US and China:
28% would take sides with the US,
only 4% would back China.
(I read this as support for the US-EU dialogue on China)
But 60% want neutrality.
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We also asked what they think of a 'new Cold War' between the US and China:
28% would take sides with the US,
only 4% would back China.
(I read this as support for the US-EU dialogue on China)
But 60% want neutrality.
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Also, the younger generation is more in favour of neutrality (and also see the US as more of a threat) than the older generation.
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If you support transatlantic cooperation - like I do - there is only 1 conclusion to draw from this survey of the Dutch: US-Europe ties are in desperate need of refurbishment.
@ErikBrattberg @ConStelz @CER_IanBond @Julie_C_Smith @jana_puglierin @bruceestokes @thomaswright08
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@ErikBrattberg @ConStelz @CER_IanBond @Julie_C_Smith @jana_puglierin @bruceestokes @thomaswright08
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The Netherlands – historically one of America’s all-weather friends – is changing its view of transatlantic ties and pivoting to Europe.
Read the full report here (part of our #BuitenlandBarometer project to survey Dutch views of foreign policy): https://www.clingendael.org/publication/dutch-views-transatlantic-ties-and-european-security-cooperation
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Read the full report here (part of our #BuitenlandBarometer project to survey Dutch views of foreign policy): https://www.clingendael.org/publication/dutch-views-transatlantic-ties-and-european-security-cooperation
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