The art of vassalisation: How Russia’s war on Ukraine has transformed transatlantic relations
ecfr.eu
Europeans’ response to Russia’s war on Ukraine confirms their profound dependence on the US – an unwise position given the security challenge in Europe and coming geopolitical competition with China.

The report is absolutely scathing. Some choice quotes:

But when the next crisis came, both the US and the governments of Europe fell back on old models of alliance leadership. Europe, as EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell loudly lamented prior to Russia’s invasion, is not really at the table when it comes to dealing with the Russia-Ukraine crisis. It has instead embarked on a process of vassalisation.

But “alone” had a very specific meaning for Scholz. He was unwilling to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine unless the US also sent its own main battle tank, the M1 Abrams. It was not enough that other partners would send tanks or that the US might send other weapons. Like a scared child in a room full of strangers, Germany felt alone if Uncle Sam was not holding its hand.

Europeans’ lack of agency in the Russia-Ukraine crisis stems from this growing power imbalance in the Western alliance. Under the Biden administration, the US has become ever more willing to exercise this growing influence.

      • ☆ Yσɠƚԋσʂ ☆@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
        177·
        1 year ago

        One has to be bonkers to think that the plain facts presented here is bonkers. Meanwhile, atlanticism is inherently premised on the idea of Europe being subjugated to US interest. The funny part is that US is clearly refocusing on China now which makes Europe far less important for US now. If republicans win the elections next year, which is likely, then Europe is going to discover the dangers of relying on US for protection very quickly.

          • Soviet SnakeEnglish
            15·
            1 year ago

            I live in Latinamerica and I have never seen any shit made in Europe except useless fancy shit, maybe you build some engine part or something? I wouldn’t dare to say the world is dependent on European industry, though, now China, we sure are dependent to them.

              • Soviet SnakeEnglish
                21·
                1 year ago

                Ok, that’s true, but at the same time it’s not like it’s the only one and also it’s one thing. If we wouldn’t get couped every 5 second we could create a replacement.

              • albiguPortuguês
                6·
                1 year ago

                Bosch food processors

                kkkkkkkk

              • Soviet SnakeEnglish
                11·
                1 year ago

                BTW, Argentina invented the ballpoint pen and Bics are produced either in Argentina or Brasil, lol.

          • ☆ Yσɠƚԋσʂ ☆@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
            126·
            1 year ago

            Facts aren’t the issue, interpretation is.

            The interpretation is entirely correct. EU is subordinate to US in every practical way, and one has to be wilfully ignorant not to see that.

            If you really believe that Europe is “subjugated” I invite you to look at the trade wars we had with the US.

            If by trade war you mean US cannibalizing Europe by luring what business is left to prop up its own failing economy then sure.

            Most were quite short indeed as the US caves pretty much instantly each time they are shown what we can do. Are those the actions of vassals?

            What interests has US actually caved on exactly?

            “Focussing” doesn’t mean anything. Approach, confront, what? You never know with the US they don’t have a coherent foreign policy.

            Focusing means allocating resources towards Asia. Meanwhile, the fact that US does not have a coherent policy should itself be very worrisome for Europe. Having outsourced your security to an unstable and unreliable partner has put Europe into a rather precarious situation today.

            Also, we’re not relying on their protection.

            It’s very clear that plenty of European states feel they need to have military parity with Russia. While the idea of a war with Russia is obviously insane, that doesn’t change the political reality of Europe. Given that Europe is in no position to match Russia militarily, it is therefore reliant on US for military strength.

              • albiguEnglish
                5·
                1 year ago

                Russia can’t even fucking match Ukraine which is being drip-fed surplus.

                Hasn’t Russia been holding on to the claimed regions for almost an year now?

                  • albiguEnglish
                    4·
                    1 year ago

                    From what I gathered their demands for a peace deal for a very long time are basically for recognition of the new areas, without added land claims. This would imply that their war goal was just those. Am I incorrect there? Could you provide a source, if so?