'Europe should stop licking the boots that are kicking them'

Europe should be ready to leave NATO and forge alliances with two powers that can direct contribute to its safety and prosperity - Russia and China. That's the verdict of foreign policy expert Kishore Mahbubani.

Only by building ties based on mutual interest with Moscow can European nations secure lasting peace in Ukraine and remove the threat of further conflicts, the former United Nations Security Council president believes. In addition, China holds the key to ensuring development in Africa, without which conflicts and crises threaten dramatic repercussions further north, Mahbubani wrote in an editorial. 

"All great powers will put their own interests first and, if necessary, sacrifice the interests of their allies," Mahbubani concluded, urging Europe to become a "strategically autonomous actor on the world stage."

Here is a summary of his arguments:

• If Europe needs to spend 5 percent on defense, its resulting $1.1 trillion military machine would dwarf the U.S. armed forces, rending NATO unnecessary. Even just raising the threat of leaving the military alliance would force the U.S. to be more accommodating of Europe's wishes. "he insistence of the Europeans on staying in NATO after Trump's provocative actions gives the impression to the world that they are licking the boots that are kicking them in the face," Mahbubani wrote.

• Russia is ready for a favorable deal with Europe. Moscow's inability to defeat Ukraine demonstrates that it is not a serious threat. In the long-term Ukraine could become a bridge between the two powers, rather than a pawn that they fight over.

• The U.S. and China's relationship is complicated by geography and economic rivalry. The European Union does not need to choose a side but ultimately may need China more. One long-term threat to Europe would result from an Africa with a population growing faster than its economies, leading to surging pressures that result in migration north. China, through investments and partnerships on the continent, offers the best hope of averting this scenario. It is in Brussel's interests to support China's efforts, rather than opposing them to appease Washington.

Do you agree with Mahbubani, do you think there are other arguments that he has missed?

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