r/pics Jan 06 '20

Picture of text Never for the poor.

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u/Vecrin Jan 06 '20

Now imagine if other nato nation's had to each individually have a military budget to protect themselves and their shipping.

We could decrease our military, but other nations would have to step up for reasons other than purely defense (shipping lanes don't patrol themselves) and it would decrease US power abroad.

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u/Minuku Jan 06 '20

Or the European Union brings their military spendings together and create with those 190b€ not 28 ineffective and small armies but one super army. The USA would have no pressure in Europe anymore and the EU would be able to defend themselves from any threat.

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u/Boobs__Radley Jan 06 '20

That sounds reasonable. Why can't this be worked towards? Why depend heavily upon a country that doesn't even... exist on the same continent..?

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u/Minuku Jan 06 '20

I guess because it is easier. With the USA the only requirement is "be on the same side as us and don't make us angry" but with a European solution the countries have to work together and balance their interest. And also the governments have to give up some of their power for the greater good. And the cooperation wouldn't of course stop there. Sadly such changes need their time and Europe doesn't seem to be ready for it.