The Data Shows a Less Secure World. Can Europe Still Protect Itself?

Europe spent decades assuming the United States would stand behind its security. That assumption is now weakening, and the question at the close of the European Forum Alpbach was direct: can Europe still protect itself?

Five heads of state attended the forum on Wednesday, where discussions focused on Europe’s security, the future of transatlantic relations and the ability of democracies to withstand growing threats. Political scientist Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook warned of a gradual erosion of democracy. She called on Europe to strengthen its own security capabilities and build a broader network of international partners.

Ashbrook also argued that Europe must remain capable of acting in the war in Ukraine and continue its support for Kyiv. Her message placed European responsibility at the center of the debate as confidence in the traditional transatlantic security arrangement fades.

The global picture presented by data researcher Bastian Herre was more conflicted. The number of conflicts and war deaths has risen sharply in recent times. Yet, viewed over the longer term, the world is more peaceful, and human rights enjoy greater protection than they did decades ago.

The forum’s closing initiative, the Impact Hub’s “Solution Hour,” aims to turn the discussions into concrete proposals and a joint manifesto with the help of artificial intelligence. The publication’s podcast, “What Matters in Alpbach,” will present the congress journal in five episodes from Aug. 30, 2026.