In some sense, this war is a wake-up call for Europe. What are the most important lessons to be learnt for the future of Europe in terms of energy independence or strategic autonomy?
In addition to what has been said above: Communist China was admitted to the WTO, and trade was promoted with China both to serve economic interests, and in the belief that trade contacts would stimulate appreciation for the freedom and democracy of the West. Support for the Helsinki Accords in the West proceeded on the assumption that “contacts” would reduce tensions and promote integration. “Change Though Trade” was a widely accepted principle applied to relations with both China and Russia. Now it is an object of ridicule.
“Globalism” assumes that communication and economic integration prevent conflict. But these processes, while clearly not adequately deterring aggression, can also make it more difficult to respond to aggression. Multilateralism makes it difficult, if not impossible, to reach consensus; it can paralyze needed actions, and cloud responsibility.
Economic interdependence makes deterrence controversial:
with Russia threatening Ukraine, many states found it difficult to oppose Russia’s threat because of energy trade. Likewise, economic entanglement promotes the appeasement of China. But Western citizens benefit economically from this trade with threatening regimes.