Tensions between the United States and Europe have prompted a rethink about defence spending among European elites. The postwar paradigm saw Uncle Sam pick up the tab for security while the Continentals sunk their treasure into social protection and other political priorities. This suited Europe for as long as their benefactor remained broadly faithful to rules-based global liberalism and didn’t ask too much in return. Donald Trump is faithful only to himself, thinks international norms are for wimps, and sees America’s underwriting of European security as a sugar daddy arrangement. In demanding Greenland, he has read his credit card bill aloud to us and unzipped himself expectantly.
