I think a far better analogy for Europe is the Hellenic empire of the Greeks, not the Roman Empire...
" but when its back is turned, its policy is weakened." ...stab in the back time..again.
EU...enjoy your little fantasy while your world collapses.
As long as America can keep the RATS in line and out of power we will keep going about our merry way while Europe rots....pass the popcorn.