European nations like France and the UK have the nuclear trident (the ability for global MAD). They can dictate more than enough.
Also, until the 1990s, Western European armies were VERY professional and capable of military and technological innovation.
Hell, the Bundeswehr was well equipped with fairly competitive weaponry made by German manufacturers such as Heckler and Koch, KNDS (Leopard tanks), Rheinmetall, etc
Also, until the 1990s, Western European armies were VERY professional and capable of military and technological innovation.
Hell, the Bundeswehr was well equipped with fairly competitive weaponry made by German manufacturers such as Heckler and Koch, KNDS (Leopard tanks), Rheinmetall, etc