Liam Roche 

Retired, international trade executive. Politics and IR mature student.

Ian Bremmer gets it.

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I’ll bet 10:1 that the US hasn’t come close to jettisoning its European allies.

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The final point you make is the greatest danger of what's unfolding IMO -- that the US and Europe will divide over their approach to China, with the result that China is effectively unopposed in its territorial grabs in Asia, de-industrialization efforts, etc.

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I think many people have forgotten or never learned some of the lessons of WW II. Or they say, that was 90 years ago in a galaxy far far away. But as was said history doesnt repeat; it rhymes and we saw that appeasement did not work. Not coming to the aid of the Czechs who were feisty like Ukraine did not work. Russia is a clear and present threat to the lovely european life. and while Trump's approach goes beyond a rude awakening to potential abandonment, it needs to be a wake up call.

your end…

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If the US is "overmatched by China" (and it is), then it will need allies. Hegseth and Vance just sent our most important allies packing, with the message that there is no longer anything in their alliance with the US for them.

The reaction in the US press has been mostly that Hegseth and Vance made concessions to Russia over Ukraine before negotiations even began formally. But they are likely to have given away something much important -- our most reliable and durable military alliance.

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Well said . Just as I take out a paid subscription he seems to loose his mind. Looks like I will have to cancel that. I do usually appreciate his essays. But what is it with this China thing. Many of us watch with interest as to what dictator shall reign hell down on our grandkids and great grandkids. Of the the three I am tending to lean towards China. Because they don’t fucking pretend to be a democracy.

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Dear Dr Smith - is it possible that your well-known (and entirely defensible, if not beyond argument) ultra-hawkish views on China have overcome your good sense and, with regard to security policy in Europe, rendered you MAGA-curious? Vance is barnstorming Germany in defense of a political party which can fairly be described as Nazi-curious and Holocaust-minimizing, and that, together with implicit flattery of Russia, is the motivating force of every disgraceful word coming out of his mouth. He…

I think removing the security protection from John Bolton, Mike Pompeo and General Milley is an act of pure evil

Trumpworld! TGA with Ivan Krastev & Mark Leonard

Three things I like about Substack

  1. You meet a better class of person

  2. It’s not run by the greediest man in the world

  3. I’ve forgotten what this one is

A Wonkish Note on Trade with Canada and Mexico
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Good to hear the background. And good for you for leaving. Its not the same paper I’ve been reading for decades. Your word is your truth.