Joe writes, "I do not think NATO is dead. But this underscores the necessity of American leadership. "
Again, why? Let's look at the numbers, from ChatGPT:
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In 2023, the European Union (EU) had a nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately $18.35 trillion, representing about 17.4% of the global economy. Trading Economics In contrast, Russia's nominal GDP was around $2.01 trillion, accounting for roughly 1.92% of the world's economy. Trading Economics
This significant disparity indicates that the EU's economy is over nine times larger than Russia's in nominal terms. However, when adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), which accounts for cost of living and inflation differences, Russia's GDP was approximately $6.45 trillion in 2023. Eurasia Business News This adjustment narrows the gap, yet the EU's economy remains substantially larger.
In terms of economic growth, Russia's GDP grew by 3.6% in 2023, rebounding from a 1.2% contraction in 2022. Trading Economics The EU experienced modest growth, with a 0.4% increase in GDP for the same year. European Commission
Per capita GDP further highlights economic differences. In 2023, Russia's GDP per capita was approximately $13,739, while the EU's GDP per capita was around $40,824, indicating a higher average standard of living within the EU.
These figures underscore the substantial economic lead of the European Union over Russia in terms of total economic output and per capita income.
Joe writes, "Who will help Syria if Donald Trump isn't going to? Europe will have to step up."
Exactly. Europe needs to step up. Syrian refuges head to Europe, not America. It's Europe's problem. We have our own similar problems, that we aren't doing a very good job of attending to.
Joe writes, "Now, many European leaders are talking about their need to step up. They need to strengthen the EU; they need to develop an independent European military capability."
And credit for this much needed change goes to Trump. Trump was right about this, Europe needs to learn how to defend itself, and that won't happen so long as they think America will subsidize them. No, I'm not a Trump voter, but to remain credible we need to give credit where credit is due.
Joe writes, "I do not think NATO is dead. But this underscores the necessity of American leadership. "
Again, why? Let's look at the numbers, from ChatGPT:
==============
In 2023, the European Union (EU) had a nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately $18.35 trillion, representing about 17.4% of the global economy. Trading Economics In contrast, Russia's nominal GDP was around $2.01 trillion, accounting for roughly 1.92% of the world's economy. Trading Economics
This significant disparity indicates that the EU's economy is over nine times larger than Russia's in nominal terms. However, when adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), which accounts for cost of living and inflation differences, Russia's GDP was approximately $6.45 trillion in 2023. Eurasia Business News This adjustment narrows the gap, yet the EU's economy remains substantially larger.
In terms of economic growth, Russia's GDP grew by 3.6% in 2023, rebounding from a 1.2% contraction in 2022. Trading Economics The EU experienced modest growth, with a 0.4% increase in GDP for the same year. European Commission
Per capita GDP further highlights economic differences. In 2023, Russia's GDP per capita was approximately $13,739, while the EU's GDP per capita was around $40,824, indicating a higher average standard of living within the EU.
These figures underscore the substantial economic lead of the European Union over Russia in terms of total economic output and per capita income.
Joe writes, "Who will help Syria if Donald Trump isn't going to? Europe will have to step up."
Exactly. Europe needs to step up. Syrian refuges head to Europe, not America. It's Europe's problem. We have our own similar problems, that we aren't doing a very good job of attending to.
Joe writes, "Now, many European leaders are talking about their need to step up. They need to strengthen the EU; they need to develop an independent European military capability."
And credit for this much needed change goes to Trump. Trump was right about this, Europe needs to learn how to defend itself, and that won't happen so long as they think America will subsidize them. No, I'm not a Trump voter, but to remain credible we need to give credit where credit is due.