The end of NATO?

[croakerfish]

In what world does Russia not provide material support to China, if not outright military support, in the event of a conflict between the United States and China. Any supposedly chinese-focused strategy that does not address the certainty that it will call on Russia, Iran, and other regionally aligned powers to disrupt the ability of US forces to focus on the pacific is unserious. Crippling Russia militarily and economically now is prioritizing a future conflict with China in one of the best ways we can without directly initiating that conflict.

 

[ea6bflyr]

Russia keeps me gainfully employed.

I think that if the topic took center stage in a national election when held up to the federal deficit, my job would be on the cutting room floor.

That's a commentary on the public's perception of threat vs payoff, and not my opinion of its value to national security.

It's all about the information.

 

[Faded Float Coat]

Enough of one to win the Presidency and both chambers of Congress.

To the extent arson is a platform.

 

[IKE]

It's all about the information.

What a great movie. Time to watch again. SETEC ASTRONOMY.

 

[Spekkio]

I find it interesting that you think the Europeans should take the lead in their backyard while simultaneously suggesting that the US should be focusing on the western pacific. By your own standard, shouldn't Asian countries be taking the lead there as well?

The idea that East Asian countries should form a coalition to ensure security against PRC aggression is not new among foreign policy experts. Would certainly take a huge load off of us.

The issue is that unlike western Europe, East Asian governments cannot put history behind them to work toward a common goal. And also, most of them rely heavily on China economically. So it's largely an infeasible solution.

I actually think that most people don't appreciate how much our status as a hegemon does to cool relationships among western European powers. A militarily reinvigorated Europe is risky...

"who will be the king among kings?" That answer appears to be Germany, so France, Poland, and Russia would like a word...

 

[Spekkio]

I have no idea why you are prioritizing Russia and not concerned with China, which is an exponentially greater concern.

Russia didn't advance because of US military support that we built up after the war began in 2014. Just like WWII didn't start with Operation Barbarossa. Ukraine didn't defend itself just by having people modify toy drones like the media often portrays.

In an alternate timeline where Ukraine falls rapidly to Russian invasion, our foreign policy debates would be heavily centered on Russia as their economy would boom and they would turn their attention to the Baltics.

The PRC wants to be the hegemon in the western Pacific but they have so far heavily indicated that they won't throw the first punch. And if you haven't noticed, since Taiwan is a defensive problem we are going hard in the paint on UxS that offers more persist presence for less operating costs.

The criticism of European allies is centered on "wtf were you all doing over the last decade after your neighbor started invading people?" The answer is "relying on the neoliberal status quo to deter further aggression."

 

[ChuckMK23]

An interesting aside - it's being reported that Russia is stepping up recruiting in the poorest countries of Africa - recruiting fighters for Frontline service with large sums of cash for sign on bonuses. And a promise of Russian Citizenship if they survive the meat grinder - an almost impossibility.

Combatants, Mercenaries or Victims of Human Trafficking? Russia’s Exploitation of Foreign Fighters in Its War Against Ukraine – Truth Hounds

truth-hounds.org