Summary
A European Parliament member claimed that the U.S. gave Europe three weeks to agree on Ukraine’s “surrender” terms or risk an American withdrawal from Europe.
Mika Aaltola made the claim on X, but provided no evidence. NBC News reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested a U.S. troop reduction in Europe.
Trump reportedly plans to cut 20,000 troops and demand greater NATO contributions. He has pushed for higher NATO defense spending.
Trump may meet with Putin soon, believing Russia holds the upper hand in negotiations.
Call his bluff.
American soft power around the globe relies on having those bases on foreign soil.
Military bases and soldiers are the opposite of soft power
Eh, it’s at least hybrid. Classic hard power is the use of the military. That can include garrisoning but usually by force, not by permission.
If you think about it from position of China being the biggest threat, then only Asian bases and countries matter. That’s why we don’t hear much about Trump doing crazy things in that region.
While Europe is important, it should be able to fend for itself. Also Europe joining China is unlikely in short and mid term. So it make sense to spend less money on Europe and focus on Asia.
Also explains the Russia situation. Although culturally Russia is as European as Sweden and Germany, this war has pushed it closer to China than ever. If the conflict lasts longer, then their alignment would be immenent. Personally I’m surprised that they didn’t align more. China was being surprisingly passive about the whole thing.
Isn’t china already heavily invested/investing in Hungary?
Yes China makes big distinction between US and Europe in its rhetoric. And they are working on pulling Europe from USA, but it’s early days and it will take time. Lots of time.