Europe’s Political Elite Are Completely Finished

In what seem like the final months of the war in Ukraine – and the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election – Europe can no longer rely on security guarantees made by the United States. Technologically dependent on a superpower across the Atlantic, the countries of Europe are economically, militarily and politically weaker than at any time in centuries. All while China ascends to the category of superpower, and Russia returns to the politics of expansionism.

So how bad are things for Europe? Has its entire political class just been discredited? If so, what will be the consequences? Could Russia target other states, like Lithuania or Estonia, if it succeeds in annexing large parts of Ukraine? Is there a model Europe can pursue beyond vassalage to Washington? And how might it relate to China in an increasingly multipolar world?

To discuss all of this, Aaron is joined by Philip Pilkington, macroeconomist and host of the Multipolarity podcast.