America’s Military Presence in Europe to Decline

Around 20,000 American troops stationed in Europe are set to return home after new orders from the commander-in-chief. Trump plans to reduce the American military’s overall presence in Europe by 20% and insist on “financial contribution” for any American troops stationed in Europe.

As I said, Trump is a business man. He has also warned Taiwan and others that American protection will come at a cost. America has been expected to act as the world police because of its military and financial power, but what benefit has that been to America? Why should US tax payers be on the hook to protect foreign nations when past administrations have blocked any funding to protect US borders?

There are about 100,000 American troops stationed throughout Europe. NATO believes America must continue to finance its alliance and insists that protecting Europe equates to protecting America. Yet, NATO members have repeatedly failed to fund the alliance with the required 2% of GDP. Trump is now insisting that members contribute 5% of GDP and reaffirmed his stance that Europe must protect Europe. Now he is putting his words into actions.

The neocons insist this is a massive blow to NATO and America’s alliance with Europe. But the alliance has been more of a reliance on America and the conditions have not been mutually beneficial. NATO has taken full advantage of American protection and has had years to reallocate funds toward the alliance. America has been bankrolling other nations since World War II and has been stretching its military presence across the world, promising protections to everyone from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Middle East, various naval trade routes – the list goes on and on. Now Europe, a conglomerate of nations, is expected to take care of one conflict front but refuses to do so.