International | The Telegram Lots of world leaders are attacking Europe. Why? Often, Europe-bashing is best explained by domestic politics in America, China and beyond Share Illustration: Chloe Cushman Jan 27th 2026 | 5 min read W ITH PEACE prizes all the rage, somebody should nominate Europe for one. For in a discordant age, one belief unites squabbling world leaders: Europeans are weak and annoying. This article appeared in the International section of the print edition under the headline “Lots of world leaders are attacking Europe. Why?” From the January 31st 2026 edition Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents ⇒ Explore the edition Share Reuse this content More from International The Telegram A stay-calm plan to save the world Alas, almost no foreign leader is as reasonable as Finland’s president, Alexander Stubb The War Room newsletter: What is Donald Trump’s aim for Iran? Shashank Joshi, our defence editor, analyses the president’s options The Telegram Donald Trump’s envoys failed to reassure Europe A gathering of world leaders in Munich shows how trust has collapsed The Robin Hood state is coming for the rich Tax systems are more progressive than you think Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s network What 1. 4m emails reveal about America’s most notorious sex offender The Telegram Are liberal values a luxury the West cannot afford? Yes, China has impressive high-speed trains. That is no reason for the West to adopt iron-fisted rule

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