3 ms·

>>“Europeans were sold the idea that the US is their friend. It is an ally, but not a friend, and that distinction matters.“ This is a fair and key point and a

by cmiles8 3mo ago

>>“Europeans were sold the idea that the US is their friend. It is an ally, but not a friend, and that distinction matters.“ This is a fair and key point and also worth considering the view from the other side of the pond. Americans were legitimately getting fed up that the ally-ship was getting too one sided on who’s pulling their own weight in the relationship. Military spending is one hot topic coming to light again now that the neighborhood is looking unstable again. Europeans often say “but look at our social net you silly Americans.” The American view often says “your social net has all that government money because your defense is highly subsidized by us.” That’s glossing over a few points but the math is directionally correct. Europe is running the numbers and increasingly realizes this too. Reckoning with that is one of many future hurdles facing Europe.

FpUser 3mo ago
>" ally-ship was getting too one sided" unless you consider the world accepting USD as the reserve currency which is enormous "one sided" gift to the US. I remember how hysterical orange went with various threats when the idea of dedollarisation had started to get any roots.
- hsuduebc2 3mo ago
  That was mainly my point. If you are paying for security, you are paying for someone's obedience. Not even mentioning that European armies dependant on American weapons is gigantic security risk, which no one ever will be held accountable. This all I perceive as biggest US influence based weapon which is slowly slipping away. I understand that politically it is sold as that European countries are leeches, which is absolutely an valid optic, but I believe this was still trade benefiting US more than Europeans. Needles to say I would gladly see my country spend much more on military, reform pensions system which is absolutely botched and become much more self-confident.

by cmiles8 3mo ago

FpUser 3mo ago

>" ally-ship was getting too one sided" unless you consider the world accepting USD as the reserve currency which is enormous "one sided" gift to the US. I remember how hysterical orange went with various threats when the idea of dedollarisation had started to get any roots.

hsuduebc2 3mo ago
That was mainly my point. If you are paying for security, you are paying for someone's obedience. Not even mentioning that European armies dependant on American weapons is gigantic security risk, which no one ever will be held accountable. This all I perceive as biggest US influence based weapon which is slowly slipping away. I understand that politically it is sold as that European countries are leeches, which is absolutely an valid optic, but I believe this was still trade benefiting US more than Europeans. Needles to say I would gladly see my country spend much more on military, reform pensions system which is absolutely botched and become much more self-confident.