Estera Flieger: The Adolescence of Europe
The article discusses European nations' struggle for strategic autonomy in the context of military preparedness amid geopolitical tensions.
In the article, Estera Flieger reflects on President Donald Trump's remarks about the success of the United States, which he claims is winning so much that the people are overwhelmed. The commentary is framed in a humorous tone as she urges him to stop winning so excessively. The discussion shifts towards the serious topic of European military readiness and the long-standing dependency on American military support in light of threats from Russia and other geopolitical challenges.
Flieger references a speech by Navid Kermany, a German-Iranian intellectual, who starkly outlines the reality of European nations needing a significant timeframe β between 10 to 15 years β to achieve strategic military autonomy through proper armament and preparations. This alarming statistic highlights Europe's vulnerability, with experts warning that without immediate action, the continent will remain susceptible to Russian aggression and potential American coercive tactics during this period of military buildup.
The article closes with a metaphor about children leaving home and the need for ongoing parental connections, perhaps suggesting that European countries, while fostering independence, should not lose touch with each other's destinies or the collaborative spirit necessary for collective security. This encapsulates the broader conversation about Europeβs future security strategies and the importance of unity, especially in the face of external threats.