> We uniquely have the resources to be the most developed nation, domestically, but subsidize other countries’ defense instead ...and in return, the rest of th

> We uniquely have the resources to be the most developed nation, domestically, but subsidize other countries’ defense instead ...and in return, the rest of the world plays ball when we want to advance our interests. The basis of foreign policy is I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine. Our protection of Taiwan shows other countries that we will put ourselves on the line for our allies. It practically forces us to go to war if China invades because we'll lose access to our all-important semiconductors. Key word forces. If we lose our dependency on the semiconductors we're no longer forced to go to war. Which means China can try to invade and might succeed if we deem it unnecessary to protect Taiwan because "fuck you, we got ours." By keeping ourselves in this vulnerable position there's an implicit trust and understanding that we will be there for them. > There are consequences, not the US’ problem. Funnily enough this is the attitude of many citizens under protection of US hegemony. I think you will receive more varied responses from the Ukrainians and Taiwanese.