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.

  • MousePotatoDoesStuff@piefed.socialEnglish
    71·
    2 days ago

    More of a vassal/satellite region than an outright colony (which would require a large amount of constant resource expenditure and military presence on their behalf), but yes, the US government likely wants this… or, more precisely, already has it and wants to keep it that way.

    And that’s at least part of the reason why I’m on the fediverse and use Linux now.