Peter Hall

Everything about the post war setup was created BY America to serve America, and ensure their supremacy. It was not ‘a favor’ to Europe. Europe was a collection of warring global empires that would, after rebuilding, pose competition to and a potential challenge/threat to U.S. hegemonic rule. The turbulent wars through Europe, common on the continent prior to the U.S. post war structure also created instability. America needed a weak, subservient Europe, with economic stability to entrench its empire and supremacy. Even in recent decades they lobbied hard (successfully) to crush attempts at Europe rebuilding its independent military industrial complex. They needed Europe as a faithful lapdog, that could never challenge them, would always vote with them, and would advance American interests in soft or hard power projection and economic policy. It has allowed America to become and maintain its position as an economic powerhouse and global super power. Trump in just a few months has destroyed those foundations that support American power (and their outsized economy). As the empire crumbles they will never again rebuild those foundations, leaving them alone and economically diminished. Meanwhile it all serves China, who are filling the vacuum, and building ever greater power and expanding their alliances with Europe (and everywhere else). When all the dust settles, America will be permanently weakened, Europe will have regained its sovereignty as an independent military superpower, and China will have cemented its position at the top. The crazy thing is it’s all completely self inflicted, they haven’t had to fire a shot, and it’s happening at breakneck speed. Xi will be hardly able to contain his laughter/excitement.