[tokioyoyo]

Sorry to continue the thread, but it’s a bit baffling to see how a good chunk of America really thinks without them everyone else would be a toast. Sure, we would be worse off, but so would they. Basic self-sufficiency is almost every normal government’s major goal.

[surgical_fire]

By all means, I am enjoying this.

For a very long time I wanted EU (and other parts of the world) to rid itself from US influence, that I consider to be malignant to progress. US always leveraged its power (both soft and hard) to its own benefit first and foremost.

What I never expected is that this would happen by the US itself shitting its own pants so hard. I am actually very optimistic that EU will be forced to step up its integration, and other economies will be forced to step up on trading among themselves (not only goods, but also knowledge, services and cooperation) to replace the vacuum left by the former all powerful ally.

Interesting times ahead.

[mikevm]

The US literally bailed Europe out in two world wars. Does that fit your category of "not being toast"?

When someone else bankrolls your defense by spending almost a trillion dollars a year that leaves quite a lot of the budget for other things, doesn't it?

[fcsp]

Don't want to discuss your statement about "bankrolling" here, I'm not into the topic enough.

However, since this post is about US GDP I'm now curious, what do you think where this money is going and contributing to GDP?

[surgical_fire]

> When someone else bankrolls your defense by spending almost a trillion dollars a year

That is the whole defense budget from the US, not how much it spends in Europe.

And yes, EU should stop relying in the US for defense. That arrangement only benefits the US, to be frank, EU should develop its own defense industry instead of strengthening the defense industry of a foreign nation. Especially now that said foreign nation is essentially enemy territory.