[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.