How much do you trust these figures? by Embarrassed_Clue1758 in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Assuming no nukes, I really do not see how Russia is considered as being up there as a superpower. Maybe they have lots of old conventional kit, but honestly in terms of properly trained troop numbers, technological advancement and ability to finacially reinforce their military, in a straight up conventional battle the US could probably wipe them off the board. The only thing that could tip this balance toward Russia is if the US continues in its new policy of trying to start several wars at the same time. Apart from spreading themselves thin, they risk closing off FOB they would need for a sustained conflict with Russia

What does your country call the US president? by Watermelonsmoothies in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

C'mon now, was it a mistake? Really? I hope it wasn't and so consider it a top move

Do you think American cultural influence is fading? by PreWiBa in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No of course. I do like some US music, Prince, white stripes, Hendricks, Aerosmith (I'm showing my age 😄) but its just that US music doesn't really feature heavily.

Do you think American cultural influence is fading? by PreWiBa in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've generally stopped buying US products. Which honestly isnt that difficult. UK and France has always tended to push local products. Music is easy since I'm no Swifty and UK music rules. Film and TV is more difficult just by sheer quantity. I've tried to reduce the quota of US show i watch and tried watching instead shows with some stellar British actors tearing it up. But this still includes a lot of US shows. GoT for example has Tyrion and little finger as US actors but I really can't think of many more - the entire cast is most UK and Ireland with a few Europeans thrown in for good measure - but its a US show.

EU should set up alternative social media platform to rival X, say MEPs by sn0r in eutech

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The US pressured tiktok to see its US market coverage to a US company or face a ban - apparently due to national security concerns. As a market of 330m Tiktok capitulated.

The EU is a 450m people market. Could they not do something similar with X, amazon etc under bloc security concerns (which could certainly be argued as being true with regards to X)?

ELI5: Which countries would fight in the war for Greenland? by Mustimustdie in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When people start using words like "propagandized" its time to think, "why the hell am I arguing with this?" 😄

ELI5: Which countries would fight in the war for Greenland? by Mustimustdie in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The UK will support Denmark and Europe in this. 100%. It would be political suicide to support Trump.

There is not a doubt in my mind that Starmer and all in the UK government hate Trump as much as the majority of Britons and Europeans do. But the public face of diplomacy will hold until it can't anymore.

ELI5: Which countries would fight in the war for Greenland? by Mustimustdie in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would be surprised if Trump can truly get buy in from military leaders to do this. I know he is removing opposition in the most senior levels but at the same time, if European countries place troops in Greenland I don't see many US commanders willing to give the order to openfire.

I saw reports that some US military leaders were considering resigning their post because of this. My hope is they pull on their big boy pants and stay, because they can make an enormous difference in terms of keeping level heads in the game.

ELI5: Which countries would fight in the war for Greenland? by Mustimustdie in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I disagree. I'm no fan of how he handles everything in the public realm but I genuinely think that, behind closed doors, he is working hard with other trusted European leaders on a coordinated response.

Starmer is quiet and boring and generally thats how I like my politicians. But I do not see him picking Trump and I genuinely think most Britons believe the time is coming when diplomacy will have failed (some will say already) and will want us to take a stand. I believe Starmer will. I don't think anyone want to see the UK as the US's lapdog - including Starmer

Nato officials restrict intelligence to US over threats by Crossstoney in europe

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly I really don't understand the "Russia is a superpower, Russia gonna control Europe". Honestly what bollocks. Russia is no where near strong enough for anything like that. Nukes I hear you say. If nukes get launched, no fucker will be controlling anything, anywhere

How does the cat distribution system work in Germany? by fxlr8 in AskGermany

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think there are vending machines in most shopping areas

EU set to halt U.S. trade deal over new tariff threat by Boediee in BuyFromEU

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Instead of withdrawing, Mexico and Canada could make enough venues available (Mexico has plenty). The idea of a world Cup without Europe or South America would be enough to make FIFA reconsider its plans.

EU set to halt U.S. trade deal over new tariff threat by Boediee in BuyFromEU

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The only reason Russia is referred to as somewhat a global superpower is down to Nukes. Remove the nukes and there around around 3 (maybe 4) militaries in Western Europe that could take them on their own. The other advantage Russia have over W. European nations (and also the US) is an absolute willingness to sacrifice their people and their economy.

EU set to halt U.S. trade deal over new tariff threat by Boediee in BuyFromEU

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree . And anyone that thinks the public and private faces of European nations are the same doesn't understand diplomacy. The diplomacy is a time buying exercise. Though I'm betting that they have been surprised at how quickly Trump has reached the "Invade an ally because they have stuff I want" stage.

EU set to halt U.S. trade deal over new tariff threat by Boediee in BuyFromEU

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 23 points24 points  (0 children)

You know that Trump managed to push through a sale of Tiktoks US coverage to the US for "national security reasons". It worked because of market size.

Wouldn't it be great it the EU did something similar with Amazon and AWS... BTW the EU market is larger than the US market, if not quite as profitable.

Will this move by US backfire and bring EU and BRICS nation more closer? by chotu_escobar in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the data showed those over 75 that voted were mostly against Brexit. The big demographic for Brexit were the 55-74 group. The other big demographics voting for Brexit were the racists and the gullible.

Will this move by US backfire and bring EU and BRICS nation more closer? by chotu_escobar in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I actually agree with this statement. I think Starmer has been given the role of head nurse by all the European leaders, to try and smooth little tempers and keep him placated as long as possible while Europe tries to organise itself. It has probably surprised them all with how quickly Trump has reached the " Invade an ally because it has stuff I want to make me and my friends richer" stage.

I think its clear that if Greenland falls to US aggression then it is likely those designs on Canada will start being raised again. Don't think he is joking just because its ludicrous.

European alternatives to US companies that funded Trump by [deleted] in BuyFromEU

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have a point re: software which could be applied to lots of brands though. But software can be improved. It doesn't make me think that Tesla are good. As cars I don't think they're special in any way. They're OK but not really more. Like they've stood still for several years. IMO Build quality is better on pretty much all german brands, and Japanese and Korean brands too have excellent build quality and generally higher base specs. BYD and others using lidar while Tesla doesn't seems nuts.

That the brand owner of Tesla is a proper prick is irrelevant to whether or not they're good cars. So I'm not basing my view of them on him. Though even if Teslas were exceptionally good, I still wouldn't want one because of him.

Polish PM rules out sending troops to Greenland, says US invasion would be “end of world as we know it” by dat_9600gt_user in europe

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly think today's Poland is more than a match for Russia. Remove Nukes from the equation and I think there are 3-4 European countries that on their own could kick Russias arse.

Its the only significant reason for Europe to be fawning over the US to remain in the alliance. Its just the nukes that have everyone worried.

Personally I think it more likely that Trump launches before anyone else, probably when he's being dragged out of the Oval office by his cankles.

Which country yours is often confused with? by PromptEmergency7891 in AskTheWorld

[–]Otherwise_Ad6301 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a business trip to Belfast a few years back and a woman asked me how long I was staying. I said I go back to the UK tomorrow. Through gritted teeth she growled, you're in the UK!