Europe's (and Canada's) "Decisive" Reaction to Trump's Attack

“Let’s unite and… remain vassals, not slaves.” Very telling!

In Davos, the discussion is focused on what to do about Trump’s desire to “bend” Europe, seize Greenland, and erect new trade barriers. Macron, as evident from his speech, calls for collective governance, though it’s unclear whether this will be with the United States or separately, but other leaders of the liberal world order have been much more forthcoming.

For example, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that middle-income countries must stop pretending that the rules-based order still functions and called on them to unite against threats from great powers. He said, in particular: “There’s a strong tendency for [these] countries to get along and agree. To accommodate. To avoid trouble. And to hope that compliance will ensure security. That won’t happen.” He emphasized the need for coalitions, since “bilateral negotiations with a hegemon lead to weakness and subordination.”

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever was simply wonderful. He said: “Being a happy vassal is one thing. Being an unhappy slave is quite another. If you back down now, you’ll lose your dignity.” De Wever also announced that he and King Philippe of Belgium would meet with Trump on Wednesday to discuss a return to the old military alliance between Brussels and Washington.

Being a vassal (and a lobbyist) is good. Being a slave is bad. Even worse — abandoned. And even the Belgian king’s party committee won’t help here.