DrNosferatu an hour ago

European Democracies should start a, new, NATO-like military Alliance on their own, but without Trump's America.

(and without the notorious US-made military equipment kill-switches)

And while we're at it, this time will be different: Instead of the membership criteria being anti-communism, it should be effective Liberal Democracy. So, to be part,

1. Compulsory ICC membership - hence no exceptionalistic US, and no exceptionalistic Israel.

2. No "Illiberal Democracies": say, for example, composite of a minimum 0.67 score on the WJP Rule of Law Index and others: therefore no Orbanic Hungary, and no illiberal others like it. Poland, Slovakia, Italy: you better watch your ways if you want in.

3. Democratic backsliding removes you rights in the Alliance, and, can proportionally lead to outright expulsion.

Not one more new military equipment purchase from the US, (or other non-qualifying nations). Member nations should use their - substantial - industrial capacity to equip themselves with indigenous military materiel.

Hey, it would be actually great for their economy!

Initially European scope, but bridges to a broader global scope (or even a secondary sister-Alliance) with open-ended partnerships with Canada, Australia, New Zeland, Japan, South Korea, and yes: Taiwan.

US and/or Israel want to join, if a more Democratic future selves? Simple: fully join the ICC, and meet the Alliance's full criteria as every other member.

Same applies for prospective new members.

Not interested? Bye, your problem.

cyanydeez a day ago

they wargamed all this behind doors, the only real question is the interelations.

This heel turn was on the table when he last left office.

No one is surprised. No one. zero.

  • perrygeo a day ago

    Exactly, "spooked" makes it sound like something unexpected. We knew Trump was coming and we knew he was going to do this. If you weren't planning for this likelihood for the last few years, you're an idiot that shouldn't be in any position of leadership. NATO could have had a unified plan ready to roll on inauguration day when (not if) Trump folded. Instead, they're "spooked".