For decades, the United States was widely described — especially in Europe — as the “world’s policeman”: a guarantor of order, an enforcer of shared rules, and the backbone of a rules-based international system. That idea left a deep psychological imprint on European governments and publics — one that is almost impossible to erase. Many assumed that American power would always act in the interest of Western alliances, guided by shared values, culture, and beliefs; that the West stood on the right side of history and had a duty to promote democracy and order globally.
In reality, the United States has long acted first and foremost in its own interests, not in the interests of allies. What is changing now is not U.S. behavior, but its candor. Statements by the American government — reflected in this discussion — highlight that this is a fundamental unmasking. We are not looking at one radical American leader. We are looking at an entire culture coming out and saying: might is right.
Europe misunderstood its relationship with the United States and is still clinging to the hope that this is just a bad dream. Washington may appear to be an ally — a disagreement, a debate, a relationship to maintain — but the American reality is different: Europe is not an ally in the U.S. calculus. It is a collection of interests that the United States supports only when convenient. Right now, European interests conflict with U.S. intent — and Greenland will be annexed (in my opinion).
Lol this is all hilarious. Europeans have done nothing but attack America and Americans for decades. Pull shady shit with the UN to vilify America like in Iraq. I've been saying it for years--if Europe wants to be treated like an ally they should start fucking acting like one.
You said that European newspapers decry anti-American sentiment. That's a great idea, but it hasn't worked at all. Almost every single European I've ever met has led with anti-American sentiment, and then when I counter them with the anti-European mindset talking points you may be familiar with, suddenly they're victims of hate speech.
An entire continent of ineffectual girls.
Yes, American policy has always been to support American interests first and foremost. Obviously. This is the duty of American leaders, as it is the duty of leaders of any nation. Luckily for you guys, American interests have been far-sighted enough that they take global stability and wellbeing into account. Defending your continent is not charity, it's calculated self-interest. You dickheads are not starting another world war ever again.
We want to help you. It's great for us. But you should encourage your fellow Europeans to understand that this is what is happening and has been happening for 80 years. You're not in charge any more, and the world(including you) has prospered to an unbelievable extent as a result of that control being wrestled from you. Stop acting like petulant children. Say thank you and start acting like a good ally and you will continue to be treated as one.
This post was edited by Shadowoffury on Jan 7 2026 02:20pm