Ukraine
These two things point to the dilemma. NATO, other than US, was perfectly fine shirking and allowing US to handle it all. They didn't need or want to step up because we became the default security blanket.
By standing aside somewhat, it forces other NATO countries to uphold their own end of the treaty. This wasn't going to happen so long as big brother was around to fight all their battles.
The US has done plenty and part of that is forcing the rest of Europe to take an active role in their own defense imo. We might be the last to approve of some things, but it's forcing those other countries to realize they cannot and should not become over reliant on the US.
Ukraine pays the price unfortunately, but this is as much on NATO partners as it is on the US. We simply cannot ignore Taiwan\China etc to provide Europe a safety net.
I think that we really dropped the ball in late 2021/early 2022 in recognizing Putins ambitions. I think once we realized it, it was assumed Ukraine would fall. I think NATO initially followed suit, since we are the leading member ( largest militarily ). Then Ukraine didnt fall and we ( and NATO ) didnt have a concrete plan. I think the nature of NATO was that the US would be capable of diplomacy in turning down the heat. We didnt. We couldnt. Thats not a slight on the US, but perception is everything. And we looked weak in this regard.
And im in full agreement on Europe not relying on US. At the same time, US should take NO STANCE on what Europe decides to do, collectively, other than to publicly "back their brothers play".
I have been banging the drum for Ukraine to STOP asking for permission and just strike Russian assets - easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
But they have to operate and make decisions under the duress of defunding/ammo supply halts. Europe simply cannot supplement that loss if it were to happen.
So Ukraine has to fight a war with constraints. ( rules of engagement )
Huh....where have we heard THAT ?
US as morphed warfare into some quasi-benign conflict...it has never been and never will be, IF you are looking to win outright. War is as ugly as it gets. Bending your opponent into submission thru death and destruction. Thats a war.
Which is why, after WWII, so much has been done to avoid a conflict of that nature.