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
    83·
    1 year ago

    Ah yes, imprisons political opponents the way the west does with Assange, Manning, and others. Also love how your argument is that you just haven’t tortured him enough akChuAlly.

      • ☆ Yσɠƚԋσʂ ☆@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
        63·
        1 year ago

        The crime your government is torturing Assange for is reporting on US army massacring unarmed civilians from a helicopter gunship. The fact that you’re chill with that clearly shows that you don’t actually care about human rights or democracy in the slightest. The only thing you care about is your own privileges that you get by virtue of winning the birth lottery in your shithole country.