Pastime | Episode
Pastime

#1810 Post-American Europe: How to Lose Friends and Influence People to Protect Themselves Against You

Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy | Jul 23 2026 | 03:31:32

Air Date: 7/22/2026

Today we look at how three things Europe thought were features turned out to be leverage that could be held against them: American military protection, Silicon Valley software, and cheap Chinese goods. From a French government office running Linux to a secret European defense coalition that bypasses Washington, Europe is quietly swapping out the old architecture rather than dismantling it, one operating system migration and one secret war game at a time.

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Transcript

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TOP TAKES

KP 1: TODAY: Europe Replaces ENTIRE American Software Stack - Google OUT, Microsoft OUT June 9 - House of El - Air Date 6-4-26

KP 2: Inside the Second China Shock Sweeping Across Europe - Bloomberg Television - Air Date 2-8-26

KP 3: NATO's Secret Plans to Defend Europe Without the US - Times Originals - Air Date 7-17-26

KP 4: China Quietly Saved the World Last Month Part 1 - Max Fisher - Air Date 7-17-26

KP 5: How I View the US After 13 Years Living in Europe - Evan Edinger - Air Date 10-5-25

KP 6: Europes Quiet Breakup with U.S. Big Tech - Brit in Germany - Air Date 3-15-26

(00:54:13) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Why Europe Quitting US Big Tech Proves the Left Was Right

My commentaries on YouTube - Share them!

DEEPER DIVES

(01:04:56) SECTION A: CAN EUROPE STAND ALONE

A1: Would NATO Hold if Russia Tested Article 5? Lessons From a War Game | Berlin Briefing Podcast Part 1 - DW News - Air Date 7-17-26

A2: 250 Years of USA: Is Germany Ready for a Post-American Europe? | Berlin Briefing Podcast Part 1 - DW News - Air Date 7-3-26

A3: Can Nato Survive Without the US? | The Security Brief - BBC News - Air Date 6-11-26

A4: 250 Years of USA: Is Germany Ready for a Post-American Europe? | Berlin Briefing Podcast Part 2 - DW News - Air Date 7-3-26

A5: Would NATO Hold if Russia Tested Article 5? Lessons From a War Game | Berlin Briefing Podcast Part 2 - DW News - Air Date 7-17-26

(01:51:44) SECTION B: THE CHINA FACTOR

B1: Why the EU Is Starting a Trade War with China - TLDR News EU - Air Date 5-29-26

B2: Why the EU Has More Leverage Over China Than You Think - TLDR News EU - Air Date 6-24-26

B3: China Quietly Saved the World Last Month Part 2 - Max Fisher - Air Date 7-17-26

(02:13:12) SECTION C: THE TECH SOVEREIGNTY PLAYBOOK

C1: