[antback]

As a European, I’m trying to see the positive side of this situation. Here are a few thoughts:

- It appears that Democrats are often seen as part of an "elite," which makes it difficult for people at home to relate to or understand their message. A full reset might be needed to bridge this gap.

- Europe has long been under the shadow of the United States. Perhaps this could be a good start toward greater independence for Europe.

[agumonkey]

Are there actual efforts or will to make a stronger Europe? Honest question

[antback]

Currently, It is the opposite, I think ..

[RugnirViking]

italian, greek and french prime ministers and presidents have spoken on their proposals for a european army

[preisschild]

> Europe has long been under the shadow of the United States. Perhaps this could be a good start toward greater independence for Europe.

I wish this were true for so long, but so far we have seen nothing. Not even Draghis recommendations were really introduced.

[bigodbiel]

There is no positive for Europe. Only bad to worse. Globalization is dead. In Africa hunger and mass migration to Europe. Europe needs to militarize: Defense budget >5%, deportations, conscription, nukes and a fully functional independent army against expansionist Russia who now will have Trump's acquiesence. America must be seen as possible enemy. I am not being hyperbolic. It's parabellum.

[antback]

But that’s precisely the point. If there are new adversaries, new obstacles, it’s essential to work toward becoming stronger, more independent, more prepared and building greater unity among states.

I agree with you, things are looking bad... Today, I'm just trying to be positive. Tomorrow, maybe not ...

[arp242]

I mean, all other things being equal, it would be better if we didn't have to do those things, no?

Imagine we could spend those resources towards more constructive endeavours. Not just for Europeans, but also people in the US and Russia. Take a look at [1] – they could be doing so much better.

It's all just so sad. And pointless.

Also then there's the entire business with global warming.

[1]: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.MA.IN?locat...

[antback]

Thanks for the link. Interesting graph! Do you know what caused the increase in 2021?

[arp242]

The dip is probably COVID; it's not really an increase, more return to norm.

[pjerem]

Europe did (mostly) nothing during and after the previous Trump presidency. I don’t see how it could be different.

And it’s not like Europe was currently in a good state politically speaking.

[spiderfarmer]

There were a couple of moderately sane people around him during his first term. There will be less of them this time around.

[sAbakumoff]

For me, the most positive outcome is the EUR to USD exchange rate. It's gonna be at least 1:1 pretty soon.

[xyst]

Maybe it’s a signal towards the end of flags.

[ossobuco]

The end of the war in Ukraine suddenly got much closer. I can't think of something more positive for me as an European.

[latentcall]

The elite comment is so funny considering the biggest sponsor of Trump aka not elite (?) is Elon Musk the richest man ever (?!).

[maxehmookau]

Right-wing demagogues have been playing this game for years. Imagine being the party of billionaires and pointing to the other side and shouting "elites!"

I've never understood it, but it's an impressive party trick.

[bigodbiel]

It worked. Putin now is on top. And Europe must prepare. America now will be hostile.