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Originally posted by Nad Adam
Well, today Russias economy and morale is in no condition to attack Europe, plus that the incentive isn't there, nothing is gained by taking land and unless you can't rebuild the infrastructure you destroy during a war then nothing is gained economicly either.
As for the anti-american feelings. They are less strong than one might think even though they have grown stronger during Bushs attempts to twist some countries arms into a war on false premises.
I think europes biggest problem today comes from the inside, to much leftwing parties getting to much influence, that's what we need from the US, your entreprenur attitude in business, not the military bases.
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I wouldn't count Russia out just yet. You're talking about a country that has a lot of nationalism. They were a superpower for a long time and the fall in influence and international respect hurts that pride. They embraced capitalism only to see conditions worsen for many and power transfer from the politicos to the mafia. It is not a stable situation and an enthusiastic leader with a strong message that taps into that nationalism could turn the tide.
I haven't put all that much stock in the anti american feelings. When it comes down to it, I think there're too many common roots among our societies for it to get too bad. Yeah there will be disagreements and outright fights, but ultimately we mostly share common beliefs.
I agree that you don't need our military bases right now and that they aren't that much of a help anyway since the most likely first steps if an aggressive state came to be in the area would be towards places where bases traditionally have not been.
As for what we could do to help the EU, I'm not sure there's anything we could do right now other than remain close to Great Britain and Spain since they are two of the biggest losers in the France/Germany coalition.