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.

  • albiguEnglish
    3·
    1 year ago

    If you don’t want our stuff, your choice.

    lmao like anybody bothers buying that crap anyways. Y’all think too highly of your overpriced contraband, and you shouldn’t include Japan and South Korea in the mix as they generally are not considered part of Europe and actually produce some very good and affordable products.

    If you don’t want to sell your stuff, also your choice.

    Oh sure, just waiting for that referendum to block all exports of crops, mineral resources and fossil fuels to the gringolands. As we all know, we all just democratically voted for our national industries to be privatised. I’m sure all the gringo companies that depend on it are gonna just democratically fold and leave.

    Also I’m no fan of the Stadians, but I don’t think it is wise to have such disdain for the “Seppos” who are responsible for maintaining whatever semblance of hegemony Europe still keeps. If said referendum comes, you’ll have to rely on them to do democratic interventions to keep your democratically elected privatised industries to fuel your never-ending consumption of imports. You people can’t even win a war outside of Europe without their support anymore.