Trump is alienating the US from the West, while the threat from Russia is becoming ever more real. Even without the US, Europe could secure its defence independently in the future, former President of the Federal Academy for Security Policy Karl-Heinz Kamp writes in an opinion article for Euronews.
Really? It can barely arm Ukraine.
This is really a matter of willingness. Last time I checked my country (Netherlands) talked big but did little. More countries are like this, especially if the Russia payrolled right wing trolls got a foot hold.
Sure, if Europe had a common enemy and recognised it as such, it could fight against it. But Western Europe didn’t have to go through the subjugation of the USSR. It is the most affluent area on the planet. Many people don’t want to care about war but are more worried about which team won whatever it is they’re following, which gadget was released with the roundest corners, who’s who, and whether the pigment of somebody else’s skin is darker than theirs.
With such a votership, politicians are too afraid to make any decisions that could jeopardise their role in power. Europe has been very successful at hiding the source of its wealth and security from its citizens. Slavery to get the cheapest clothing, food, or devices possible is openly accepted because “out of sight, out of mind”. Ukraine for most people is that. It has lead to citizens simply lacking empathy, understanding, and willpower to vote for the war to end.
Given all of that, Europe can barely arm Ukraine. We are just too comfy in our position and cannot even imagine a single bomb dropping in one of capitals. The day it happens will be the day people understand.