Reference News Network, February 15 report: Germany's "Time" weekly website published an article titled "It Has Never Been Charity" on February 12. The author is Moritz Weiss, a lecturer in international relations at the University of Munich. The main content is translated as follows:
Every time U.S. President Trump threatens to stop protecting Europe, this continent falls into a strange and almost humble self-criticism: we were too comfortable before, we did too little, we took advantage of the United States. As German Chancellor Merkel said, we are "free riders." This narrative is mainly spread by Trump. It is actually wrong, and whoever accepts it will lose the struggle for self-independence without a fight. Strategic autonomy is not just a matter of defense spending; it starts with getting rid of a nonsense: the so-called aid from across the Atlantic.
The deployment of military assets by the United States in Europe has never been an act of charity, but a strategic investment in global hegemony. Washington has given nothing for free to Europeans; the White House has bought political obedience with military protection and laid the geopolitical foundation for shaping world politics according to its own ideals. The United States has not been taken advantage of by Europe, and the two have a symbiotic relationship: Europe has indeed gained stability, while the United States has obtained unquestionable leadership in the "free world."
Europe's current lack of military resources is not due to historical negligence, but the result of Washington's active promotion of division of responsibilities. Just think about the "three no's" principle proposed by then-Secretary of State Albright in 1998: no decoupling, no duplication, and no discrimination. Europe can have armed forces, but it cannot be decoupled from NATO, cannot establish military structures that duplicate those of NATO, and cannot discriminate against NATO member states. This basically describes the current situation. The United States will never tolerate Europe developing autonomous leadership capabilities that challenge the monopoly of NATO.
At the same time, the United States ensures a large and stable market through foreign military sales programs. Buyers do not just purchase weapons hardware, but also long-term dependence on software upgrades and component replacements. Washington does not want Europe to be autonomous; it wants a reliable partner, which it has obtained.
Trump said that the United States is the "cow" of the world. But he ignored one thing: if he breaks off the partnership with Europe that has existed so far, these American allies would be freed from their obligations of obedience. Without protection, they would lose their voice. Europe does not need to act like a mischievous student who has to stay after class, as the Trump camp says. Europe must realize that the basis of this cooperation no longer exists.
Now, the biggest obstacle for Europe to achieve sovereignty is clinging to an unfounded sense of guilt. Once the narrative of past wrongdoing is accepted, Europe will be in a weak position.
Ultimately, this is like a failed long-term relationship: if a partner says he has been used over the years and wants to leave, the worst response is to cry and agree with his words and apologize. The partner will not come back! To get out of the shadow of the breakup, one must understand: we had sufficient reasons to be together, and both sides benefited. To stand on one's own after the breakup, one cannot look down on oneself. (Translated by Wang Zizhang)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7607047724717965864/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.