Victor Hugo made this declaration in the aftermath of the 1848 revolutions, a time when Europe was torn by political upheaval and conflict. His vision wasn't one of domination—it was a call for peace, prosperity, and unity to prevent future wars.

Today, that dream is under attack. Russia's authoritarian regime thrives on division, fear, and chaos. It knows that a united transatlantic force—one built on freedom, rights, and opportunity—would make its old-school power grabs impossible.

How a U.S.-EU Superpower Could Transform Lives

This isn't just politics. It's about real, everyday benefits for millions of people:

  • Top-Tier Healthcare for Everyone: Europe’s universal healthcare combined with America’s cutting-edge medical technology could give everyone access to affordable, world-class care.
  • More Secure Jobs and Stronger Safety Nets: Paid family leave, reliable pensions, and unemployment protections—standard across the board.
  • World-Class Education: Imagine free or affordable college, cutting-edge research, and endless opportunities for young people.
  • Leading the Fight for Human Rights: This superpower would set global standards for civil liberties, workers' rights, and environmental justice.
  • A Real Plan for Climate Change: With combined resources, the U.S. and EU could fast-track green energy and protect the planet.

And let's talk numbers:

So why does this vision remain out of reach? Because Russia is working relentlessly to keep it that way.

Russia's Long History of Undermining European Unity

Russia's efforts to prevent a united Europe didn't begin recently—they stretch back centuries. In the 19th century, Tsarist Russia opposed the rise of nationalist and liberal movements across Europe, fearing that democratic reforms would weaken imperial rule.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Russia actively worked to maintain a balance of power that prevented European unity. This strategy continued through the Soviet era and persists today.

From the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact to Cold War proxy conflicts, and now modern hybrid warfare, Russia has consistently worked to fracture European integration. During the post-World War II era, the Soviet Union backed communist movements in Western Europe to weaken democratic governments and prevent European cohesion.

Even after the Soviet collapse, Russia continued to exploit divisions through energy dependency and political interference.

Today, these tactics have evolved but the goal remains the same: stop Europe from becoming a unified force. This historical strategy has deepened through disinformation campaigns, support for extremist political movements, and military aggression, all designed to keep Europe fragmented and vulnerable.

Russia's Modern Strategy to Divide the U.S. and Europe

Russia's strategy to undermine a united transatlantic alliance has evolved but remains focused on exploiting divisions:

  • Political Disruption: Russia supported divisive leaders like Donald Trump, whose skepticism of NATO and the EU, withdrawal from international agreements, and trade disputes weakened transatlantic trust. The stalled Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) further prevented economic integration.
  • Economic Manipulation: Russia leverages Europe’s energy dependence to fracture EU solidarity, using oil and gas as tools of coercion. Source: International Energy Agency
  • Geopolitical Provocations: Trump's 2019 proposal to buy Greenland—and his recent revival of this idea—strained U.S.-European relations, serving as a wedge that aligned with Russia's goal of sowing discord.

Each of these tactics echoes Cold War strategies, where the Soviet Union backed anti-Western movements to disrupt NATO and European unity.

Today, Russia continues this legacy by exploiting political divisions and fueling nationalist movements to weaken Western alliances.

How Russia Keeps Us Divided

Russia fears ideas. It fears freedom. And it fears unity. Democracy and human dignity terrify them because their own people might demand the same freedoms.

So they fight back the only way they know how:

Russia isn't just attacking borders—it's attacking the very idea of a better, freer world.

It’s Time to Build the Future We Deserve

We must organize and confront those who seek to divide us. Every voice matters.

Speak out, stay informed, and support leaders who defend unity and democracy.

We must fight for a world where unity, rights, and opportunity are stronger than fear and division.

  • Demand smarter policies that strengthen alliances.
  • Support independent media to fight disinformation.
  • Get involved in movements that push for global cooperation.

Victor Hugo’s dream wasn't a fantasy—it was a warning and a challenge. The future can be safer, freer, and fairer—but only if we stand up and make it happen.

The world we deserve is within reach. Let’s stop letting autocrats steal it from us.