Judging Freedom Scott Ritter: Can Trump Bully Putin?
13 snips
Apr 1, 2025 
Scott Ritter, a military affairs expert and former UN weapons inspector, dives into the provocative question of whether Donald Trump could influence Vladimir Putin. He analyzes the political maneuvers behind European defense dynamics against Russia, highlighting NATO and Germany's evolving military strategies. Ritter critiques U.S. military readiness amid tensions with China and discusses the ethical implications of conflict, particularly in Gaza and Yemen. He also navigates the complexities of U.S. policy in Syria and its precarious balance with extremist groups.
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Europe's Bellicosity
- Europe is not prepared for war with Russia, despite bellicose rhetoric.
- Their posturing is more about complicating Trump's peace prospects and calling his bluff on NATO.
Trump's NATO Dilemma
- Trump wants a NATO that follows US orders without the US bearing the costs.
- Lavrov believes the US won't leave NATO, despite Trump's threats.
German Defense Spending
- Mertz increased German defense spending for political survival, positioning Germany as a European leader.
- This move, backed by Macron and Starmer, is part of a larger EU strategy, but may lead to Germany's economic ruin.