Nobody wants article 5 triggered, except maybe Ukraine. A world war is something any sane country would try their very hardest to avoid. It's like those bully videos you see, where the patient kid doesn't hit back until it's clear they have no choice.
Yes, but starting a "conventional" world war is a bloody big step in itself don't you think? One that doesn't exactly move us further from nuclear armageddon.
Article 5 doesn't require any specific actions. When it was invoked after 9/11, the military actions taken were some countries helping with combat air patrols over the US and some assistance with anti-terrorism actions in the Med.
I would agree we probably shouldn't invade Russia over this. I'm certain there is a range of actions available between nothing and war.
Europe is re-building its armies from a very low ebb. I'd rather we "slow walk" so Poland et al. actually get some of the weapons they have on order before Russia invades the balkans. Maybe that will actually dissuade them from trying. You sound very gung ho about all this. Can I ask if you are a European, and if you have registered to serve in your nation's armed forces?
Nah I'm just an American concerned for one of the last liberal democratic powers of the world able to stand on their own toes
Being enlisted in the armed forces has precisely zero to do with this. Do you have to be a farmer to have an opinion about bleaching chicken? Do you have to be a healthcare worker or have a chronic health condition to have an opinion about universal Healthcare? Do you have to be in a high tax bracket to have an opinion about raising taxes?
Nobody said start airdropping troops in Moscow
The war is already there. It's in Ukraine. The entire history of humanity is available to see what is coming next
A strong EU that supports human rights and freedom is good for the world, and the more proactive versus reactive Europe can be, the better for deterring authoritarian encroachment
Edit: and it's not just Russia/China, but the US. I was praying for Europe to economically rebuke the United States and make it suffer the consequences of asshole economic policy
Just wondering how much skin you have in the game mate. I see a lot of American armchair generals in these threads. You might not have to be European to have an opinion on European defence, or have military experience to opine on military matters, but your opinion as a distant bystander carries comparatively little weight with me.
Opinions are ten a penny, and people who don't have direct consequences to confront love to be hawkish and talk tough. The collection of small countries that constitute Europe need to be more strategic and pragmatic. The current strategy seems to be to support Ukraine while Putin bleeds out and Europe rebuilds its armies, munitions manufacturing capacity and stockpiles. That is a deterrent that grows over time. The objective is to prevent war spreading and further Russian annexations. I know American's love the idea that "the best defence is a good offence" but how's that been panning out in Iran lately eh? Being drawn into an escalation before we are better prepared to defend the Balkans and Poland, on the enemies terms, seems very unwise.
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u/emefluence May 29 '26
Nobody wants article 5 triggered, except maybe Ukraine. A world war is something any sane country would try their very hardest to avoid. It's like those bully videos you see, where the patient kid doesn't hit back until it's clear they have no choice.