[jonyt]

I think the commenters here relying on a more robust response if Putin invades a NATO country are being overly optimistic. Let's be honest with ourselves and recognize that without the US NATO is no match for Russia. Fragmented, with small and outdated armed forces, the Russian army would quickly roll over any resistance. Can you imagine a Republican president committing US troops to the defence of Lithuania in the current climate? Just look at what Trump is saying right now. If I were a European leader I'd be investing very heavily in an my armed forces right about now. Putin has succeeded in undermining the international order. First, by getting someone like Trump elected and undercutting faith in NATO. Second, by invading neighboring countries and having everyone realize this has no real consequences. It's likely that, unfortunately, the new world order is the old world order. Either a country has the power to defend itself or it doesn't. Other countries can't be relied upon to help.

[kaba0]

France and Turkey has quite the army just by themselves and they are both NATO members. I wouldn’t be as pessimistic.

[hutrdvnj]

The US has thousands of troops in Europe (NATO states). What do you think is going to happen if russia open fire at them. Biden made it very clear already, WW3 is the answer, but you suggest a republican president would just sit there tolerate deaths of US soldiers and talk about financial sanctions?

[kobalsky]

> Putin has succeeded in undermining the international order. First, by getting someone like Trump elected

do you think can he hand pick the next US president or just sway the election towards one party?