I would say that Britain (maritime power) has been playing off European continental countries against each other, certainly up to WWI. The U.S. still does this

I would say that Britain (maritime power) has been playing off European continental countries against each other, certainly up to WWI. The U.S. still does this. Now the Eastern European countries are used as a wedge against the Western ones. Pipelines are blown up, which is not supportive.