EUROPE’S CONTESTATION OF THE U.S. WITHDRAWAL FROM THE JCPOA: UNVEILING EUROPEAN SUBJECTIVITY

Abstract

The article investigates the response of European nations to the U.S. withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal, the implementation of a «maximum pressure» strategy, and the reinstatement of sanctions on Iran. European actions included open dissent towards American policies, active engagement in lobbying efforts, and the establishment of temporary political-diplomatic coalitions with like-minded partners. The examination is framed within the context of the theory of contestation, elucidating how European allies endeavored to contest the dominant partner despite disparities in resources, European business reliance on the American financial system, and potential risks to transatlantic relations. Through challenging U.S. decisions, European countries aimed to reaffirm their autonomy and sovereignty within the transatlantic partnership and broader global political landscape. This response was not solely influenced by divergent perspectives on international security and approaches to global challenges but also by Washington’s reduced influence on partners expectations regarding the repercussions of disloyalty. The U.S. exhibited a strong belief in its ability to address the issue independently, viewing European opposition as futile, thus showing little interest in substantive negotiating with partners or persuading them to align. Consequently, European allies, anticipating minimal negative effects on their relations with the U.S., felt emboldened to assertively defend their perspectives, thus bolstering their political subjectivity.