By Nicholas Anderson, Editor-in-Chief, forumNordic
In an increasingly interconnected world, the stability of the United States—economically, politically, and morally—has long served as a cornerstone of Western liberal democracies. For decades, the Nordic region has counted on the U.S. not only as a strategic partner but also as a model of democratic resilience and global leadership. Today, however, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the signs of democratic backsliding and institutional erosion.
This is not a partisan critique. It is a growing concern among allies, observers, and policymakers across Europe. A healthy democracy depends on robust institutions, checks and balances, independent judiciary, and a strong commitment to science, education, and transparency. These are the very conditions under which innovation, equal opportunity, and economic stability thrive.
In recent years, the expansion of executive powers through sweeping executive orders—often justified under loosely defined “emergencies”[1]—has raised constitutional concerns. Legislative oversight, a hallmark of American democracy, has been sidelined in favor of unilateral governance. Meanwhile, federal support for scientific and educational institutions has been slashed or politicized[2], weakening both domestic capacity and international collaboration in research and public health.
On the world stage, the U.S. has increasingly adopted a transactional and confrontational approach to diplomacy. Key international trade agreements have been revoked or renegotiated with little transparency[3], and trust among allies has eroded under the weight of tariffs, rhetoric, and unpredictability. These moves have direct implications for Nordic economies, many of which depend on stable trade channels and rule-based international systems.
Perhaps most troubling is the inconsistency in the U.S. response to humanitarian crises and armed conflict. From Ukraine to Gaza, violations of international law and alleged war crimes have prompted only limited or ambiguous responses from Washington[4]. America’s retreat from principled diplomacy leaves space for authoritarian regimes to assert influence unchecked.
For the Nordic region—highly integrated into both global markets and democratic alliances—this trend is more than symbolic. Innovation does not flourish in uncertainty. Economic collaboration is not sustainable without trust. The erosion of democratic norms, when modeled by a global power, legitimizes populist and authoritarian rhetoric elsewhere, even within our own borders.
Our response must be measured but firm. The Nordics should continue to lead by example: investing in education and research, promoting free and independent media, and strengthening democratic institutions at home. But we must also advocate, publicly and diplomatically, for a renewed American commitment to the values it once defined on the global stage.
The challenges ahead are too great for democracies to face in isolation. America’s internal choices will reverberate far beyond its borders. As committed allies and fellow democracies, it is our responsibility to engage honestly, act decisively, and preserve the values that sustain peace, progress, and innovation across the Atlantic.
At forumNordic, we will continue to report on these developments—not with alarmism, but with unwavering commitment to clarity, context, and the democratic ideals we share.
Sources & Footnotes:
- Congressional Research Service. Presidential Emergency Powers. https://crsreports.congress.gov
- Nature Journal. “Science in the US is threatened by political interference.” (2021)
- Financial Times. “Trade policy chaos under Trump’s administration.”
- United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Reports on Ukraine and Gaza.
