Should Borders be Redrawn? | Europe’s Future Frontiers? | What is “The West” Now? | April 2025 Q&A

The global south’s response to Russia’s invasion has been disappointing because it is not just a European issue. The invasion violates the global norm that you don’t change borders by force.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BlVVXH_qpU

Hegseth briefly paused cyber ops against Russia as part of negotiations, GOP Rep. Bacon says

“U.S. Cyber Command paused offensive operations aimed at Russia for a day earlier this year as a negotiating tactic, House Armed Services Committee cyber subcommittee Chair Don Bacon (R-Neb.) confirmed Friday.”

“While Bacon did not elaborate on the negotiations, the pause likely happened around the time Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was visiting the White House to negotiate a minerals deal with President Donald Trump — a deal that fell through after a contentious Oval Office meeting.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/16/hegseth-cyber-operations-russia-pause-00354072

Opinion | Europe Needs Its Own Nukes

“If Washington truly abandons its role as the world’s police officer, Europe would struggle to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s army, at least in that time frame. Many European countries, especially Germany, have neglected their own military in recent decades. While Russia has converted everything to a war economy, parts of Europe have only just woken up from the dream of a peaceful world. Military experts proclaim that it will take more than four years to manufacture an arsenal of conventional weapons of the size needed to counter a Russian invasion. While most observers consider a Russian attack on Germany unlikely, even this is not an impossible scenario.

That’s why, to deter Russia, Germany and Europe need their own nuclear shield.”

“relying solely on France seems risky especially with French nationalist Marine Le Pen, a known Russia sympathizer, or another figure from her nationalist party potentially taking over the Élysée Palace in the near future. A broader European solution also involving Britain’s nuclear capabilities — and possibly Poland as a front-line state — would be far more prudent.”

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/08/nuclear-weapons-europe-defense-trump-00278754

Jack Watling: Planning for a Post-American Future in Ukraine | Foreign Affairs Interview

Ukraine is hurting, but so is Russia. Russia is offering higher and higher pay for fighters, and will soon have to force more people into the military. They will also run low on equipment. If Ukraine had consistent support from partners, Russia would soon be in a tough position.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzEzo8Nwh1A

Trump’s ‘failure’ in Ukraine risks war with Russia ‘in three years’

Defeating Russia in Ukraine would isolate Iran and deter both China and Russia from future aggression. China would be most deterred by a willing and strong U.S. bonded with many allies. Unfortunately, the U.S. is acting weak while at the same time damaging its alliances.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6CLlNfjoew

Jon on Trump’s First 100 Days: Destroying America’s Reputation, Economy, & Leverage | The Daily Show

Comedian makes fun of Trump’s obvious incompetence and false promises. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYS70hxsPME

Russian defense spending overtakes Europe, study finds

In purchasing power parity terms, Russia’s military spending is higher than Europe’s.

https://www.politico.eu/article/russian-defense-spending-overtakes-europe-study-finds/