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
    02·
    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.

    • barsoap@lemm.eeEnglish
      0·
      1 year ago

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

      Completely Seppo-brained. Being on the left doesn’t make you immune from the exceptionalism cool aid.

      Given that Europe is in no position to match Russia militarily, it is therefore reliant on US for military strength.

      Russia can’t even fucking match Ukraine which is being drip-fed surplus. France alone could roll over Russia but they’d have a hard time keeping up with the Poles running on pure, distilled, wrath. The only reason they’re not in Moscow right now is because NATO is also a leash.