Germany has had a military since the 1950s. One cannot pretend the Bundeswehr, Luftwaffe and Deutsche Marine does not exist. Nor can one deny the existence of the industry that makes Germany the second-largest arms exporter on the globe.
It may be that Russia is overstating its capabilities, but whatever capabilities they do possess they are not shy about using.
Pipelines are not just for trade, but to wage economic war. Forgot about Russia turning off the gas for several countries that used to be in its sphere? Nord Stream 2 allows Russia to bypass all of them and just go straight to Germany, which puts those countries even more at Moscow’s mercy (and guess who’s helping them).
International relations are not just about trade but about ideology. The USA wants nothing to do with a social market economy (what the EU has), and its dealings with Red China (thanks to left-leaning politicians) have left the country weakened in that sphere, whereas Trump has been battling to turn things around.
I apologize, but I cannot understand the rest of your post.
“” “” Germany has had a military since the 1950s. One cannot pretend the Bundeswehr, Luftwaffe and Deutsche Marine does not exist. Nor can one deny the existence of the industry that makes Germany the second-largest arms exporter on the globe.
It may be that Russia is overstating its capabilities, but whatever capabilities they do possess they are not shy about using.”” “”
A shadow of former selves. Nothing compared to US military.
“” “” Pipelines are not just for trade, but to wage economic war. Forgot about Russia turning off the gas for several countries that used to be in its sphere? Nord Stream 2 allows Russia to bypass all of them and just go straight to Germany, which puts those countries even more at Moscow’s mercy (and guess who’s helping them).”” “”
The facts on the ground do not support ‘energy weapon’ libel for the reasons I have described. The gas was turned off in the past due to non-payment or other manufactured reasons on part of alleged ‘victims’. New pipelines doesn’t put them in any more risk. If these nations don’t want to deal with Russia they may buy Russian gas from the West. Or they may buy US LNG. Nobody prohibits it to them.
“” “” International relations are not just about trade but about ideology. The USA wants nothing to do with a social market economy (what the EU has), and its dealings with Red China (thanks to left-leaning politicians) have left the country weakened in that sphere, whereas Trump has been battling to turn things around.”” “”
That was 50 years ago. Now there is no competing ideology in Moscow.