Part 4/10:
The strategic quandary faced by European leaders stems not only from their allegiance to NATO but also from a domestic political climate that endorses militarized responses. It appears their commitment to the war in Ukraine is entwined with the fear of losing American support. This inherent desire to retain U.S. backing discourages a pivot towards peace negotiations or cooperative relations with Russia, thus spurring a prolonged crisis impacting European economies.
Rather than seeking avenues to ameliorate ties with Moscow — such as repairing critical infrastructure like the Nord Stream pipeline — European leaders seem locked in an irrational stance, perpetuating conflict while encountering overwhelming public disenchantment with the response to economic recession across the continent.