Rubio’s Civilizational Appeals Will Backfire

Why It Matters

Understanding Rubio’s civilizational framing reveals how symbolic religious language can backfire in international diplomacy, especially when it clashes with Europe’s own identity narratives. The analysis warns that reliance on cultural and religious appeals may deepen transatlantic rifts and empower far‑right factions, making the episode crucial for anyone tracking the future of U.S.–Europe relations and the limits of soft power in a polarized world.