I have no concrete evidence, but I suspect that Jeffrey Epstein, the Panama Papers, the Paradise Papers, etc. are but the tip of the iceberg.
Even more valuable is soft power. In Europe, you don't question US hegemony, any more than you don't interrupt a High Papal Mass to demand that the person who just farted identify himself.
For that matter, the United States and its lackeys committed an act of war against Germany, and Europeans either dissemble, stare at their proverbial shoes, or insist that they somehow deserve it. "Beat me more, Master!"
I would not go that far. As I said the US use to offer a great deal. But in confronting China it is asking alot of allies while offering little in return.... and that will be a problem at some point.
Yes. With Chinese competition US allies actually have leverage.... why not use it? The Americans would.
I have no concrete evidence, but I suspect that Jeffrey Epstein, the Panama Papers, the Paradise Papers, etc. are but the tip of the iceberg.
Even more valuable is soft power. In Europe, you don't question US hegemony, any more than you don't interrupt a High Papal Mass to demand that the person who just farted identify himself.
For that matter, the United States and its lackeys committed an act of war against Germany, and Europeans either dissemble, stare at their proverbial shoes, or insist that they somehow deserve it. "Beat me more, Master!"
I would not go that far. As I said the US use to offer a great deal. But in confronting China it is asking alot of allies while offering little in return.... and that will be a problem at some point.
It already is a problem. So why do vassals not recognize it, but keep doubling down?