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Some Sunday thoughts on America and the defense of Norway and Europe.
Some input values: I have been an Atlanticist, believed in America as a beacon and the leader of the free world and strong proponent of as close as possible bilateral defense relationship.
Some Sunday thoughts on America and the defense of Norway and Europe.
Some input values: I have been an Atlanticist, believed in America as a beacon and the leader of the free world and strong proponent of as close as possible bilateral defense relationship.
Comments
It is crucial to try to keep some form of relationship to the USA, even if it seems illogical.
But I fear that the opposition, media, or influence operations will try to use that standpoint against our politicians.
I don't believe there will be democratic elections in November 2028. Emperor Donald I and his court will make sure it will no longer be necessary as they carve up the nation.
Alarmist perhaps, but trumpists (and trump) have already talked about not needing elections. We have seen that what they say (we think polemically) they actually mean to do....so we'll see.
Europe needs to find ways around it as trusting the US would be idiotic.
The unfortunate reality.
https://global4cast.org/2025/02/kill-switch-how-the-u-s-can-shut-down-europes-military-in-an-instant/
I got goose bumps, when I read it as I realized that if we rely on US Link 16 completely, and US can turn off our access, then they can prevent not only US arms from being used but also our units from communicating datawise. That is a serious risk.
If Trumps want to change US allegiance to Russia, & normalize, we, Europe who rely on access to L16 is exposed.
The events of the last few years, particularly re Israel and now Ukraine, will drive a reappraisal of US by the west.
That goes double for the U.S., except maybe throw an assassination or massacre or two.
For Norway
EU membership should be fast-tracked.
EU+UK arms, & a security & defence pact with EU until Norway is covered by §42.7.
See AngrySweedes below.
That means Iceland will likely also move its vote on EU forward, while also triggering Greenland & Faeroe Islands.
UK&NB8 do not have the heft to fight Rus, only the EU has.
Putting your egg in 2 baskets...
Russia & China are already expanding their reach in Latin America.
It might be a good start to purchase weapons from the US in the name of the EU. Higher volumes mean better prices.
Many weapons are available in equal quality from the EU or Korea. Hurt the US by the market approach.
Corruption is crazy in the US MIC, their products are not the best, our Euros are better spent here.
As we've seen 'interferences' and blackmail from the US, Europe is now working on their own Starlink, called IRIS2.
https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-space/iris2-secure-connectivity_en
47 hates it.
#FAFO
https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/successful-launch-space-norways-arctic-satellite-broadband-mission-2024-08-16_en
Because of the severe decline in educational achievement & even bare intelligence of the average American, a bare voting majority has put a megalomaniacal sociopath leading a cult of psychopaths in power. He IS the American Hitler, or Putin (take your pick)
Sadly, they are prepared to put UKR's freedom & sovereignty to the sword, because Zelenskyy refuses to kiss the ring of an orange emperor
With the current administration and where we are, the analyst in me (I'm an unaffiliated private citizen btw) says this:
We cannot trust the Trump admin in a crisis involving Russia. We need a Plan B.
Still, we must work with the Americans, when we can, as long as we can.
We also still need the US defense industry for a rapid military buildup.
This means our government needs to do a difficult balancing act, but when necessary we must stand our ground, despite risking fallout, such as on Ukraine.
Because of this balancing act, we are unlikely to see the Norwegian government, and other engagers such as the UK talk about a Plan B in public until the bridges are finally burnt.
Because of the consequences, they can't do it. Such discussions will be highly classified.
Opposition parties may have a bit more freedom of maneuver, but they must also be careful.
Analysts, scholars and journalists have full freedom of maneuver, but the debates will be hampered because officials can't fully engage until everything comes crashing down.
I think this is worth having in mind going forward.
European countries have a lot of work cut out, on the war and on increasing our own defense capabilities, but they cannot speak frankly in public about everything.
The approach will of course vary from country to country.
As with everything concerning the Trump admin, I might draw flak over this.
To round off:
In my hobby room, among other crests and memorabilia, I still have an American flag. I don't plan on taking it down.
EU is able to produce everything an army is needing. Of course we have to change the scale of production fast but buying American is suicidal.
Europe knows how to produce everything, just the quantity produced is an issue by now. And it is the case for long because some EU countries decided to buy American instead European.
The media do not seem to realise that we are in a war, and in a war you don't tell your opponents exactly what you're going to do.
Please keep up.
Regarding the USians, I'm still dumbfounded, that there is so little resistance from the people. And so much arrogance and ignorance from the leadership.
Europe has options. We must use the time we have wisely.
USian: "i dont care how people use it! There is a logically correct way to say things, damn it!"
the united states is a country
That's because 30+ nations all have their distinct history and language. They cannot be abolished without very serious consequences, which would immediately invite other powers to make vassals of Europe.
Solid political views.