Story perspectives

Europe Faces Decline of Liberal Order Post-Pandemic

12/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Bulgarian political scientist Ivan Krastev argues in an interview that Europe must confront the decline of the liberal order as a real, changing dynamic.
He traces part of this shift to the Covid-19 pandemic and the United States reorienting its priorities, reshaping Europe’s political landscape.
He describes the decline as a painful transformation that induces a psychological shock as Europe loses influence in a world no longer prioritizing its interests.

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Story summary

Bulgarian political scientist Ivan Krastev argues in an interview that Europe must confront the decline of the liberal order as a real, changing dynamic.
He traces part of this shift to the Covid-19 pandemic and the United States reorienting its priorities, reshaping Europe’s political landscape.
He describes the decline as a painful transformation that induces a psychological shock as Europe loses influence in a world no longer prioritizing its interests.