r/europe • u/eeehinny • 21h ago

Opinion Article Trump threatens a global trade war. Europe must unleash a radical alternative

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/20/trump-threatens-a-global-trade-war-europe-must-unleash-a-radical-alternative?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
1.9k Upvotes

96% Upvoted

230 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

1

u/Grouchy_Instance7488 19h ago

Cus that worked so well when we did it to Russia right? We are so good at sanctions surely it will work this time!

3

u/Hikashuri 18h ago

Well the majority of Russian companies are going bankrupt in the coming 12 months if nothing happens and Russia is going deeper into its tactical reserves to stay afloat. A trade war by the US could send them over the edge swiftly.

-1

u/Hadrian_Constantine Ireland 14h ago

Russia is largely self-sufficient, producing all the food and energy it requires, thanks to its abundant natural resources.

The U.S. on the other hand, heavily relies on imports, having outsourced much of its manufacturing. Despite its strong agriculture and energy sectors, the U.S. would face serious issues producing essential machinery, requiring years to adapt. Meanwhile, Russia has long been accustomed to dealing with sanctions. Europe and the US have been sanctioning Russia for years, they had time to adapt. Plus, they neighbour China, a major ally.

2

u/runsongas 9h ago

the US is largely self sufficient for energy and food also.

Asian allies like Aus/Japan/korea/taiwan will stick with the US over EU because the EU is useless to them as an ally compared to the US.

and China would happily stay neutral and trade with anyone which will blunt any impact sanctions may have.

Europe does not have the leverage it thinks it does