I know this is a bold thesis. It is meant to provoke thought and encourage debate. Here are some of the considerations that led me to it:

  • Europe depends on US military protection, and the US uses this “alliance” as leverage -> NATO gives Washington structural influence over European security choices.

  • US tech firms dominate Europe’s cloud and software stack, creating digital dependency. Also, European data often sits under infrastructure exposed to US legal and corporate power.

  • Russian energy dependence was a problem for Europe when the Ukraine war started. The US were quite eager when it came to “help” by replacing the Russian energy dependence with American energy dependence.

  • US sanctions policy often forces Europe to absorb costs for Washington’s geopolitical priorities.

  • American platforms shape European speech, commerce, administration, and most importantly: public debate.

  • “Strategic autonomy” exists as a slogan because dependency is already the default.

  • Tudsamfa@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    5 days ago

    I guess it’s a European privilege that we even get a “nice” version of colonization. Now to be fair, you can read

    "For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
    "For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: "

    in the US declaration of independence and draw some comparisons (Anne Sacoolas/Christopher Van Goethem), but come on, get a new name for this.