TSOT: European Union

You didn't think we forgot, did you?


Europe has always been a major power on the world stage, but always as quarreling states, rather than a cohesive force. So, now that they have achieved said union, how will they fare against the likes of Mother Russia and the U.S. of A? Let's find out.

Basic Facts

-Initiated in 1993, via the Treaty of Maastricht. Members include all European nations except for Switzerland, (What else is new) Iceland, Norway, and many northern Baltic states.

-Government is mainly a parliament, with a senate consisting of representatives from all member nations

MILITARY

The EU has a poor track record for this one. The only real nukes they have are 200 Americans ones positioned around the continent. Also, they seem to be bent on ridding themselves of those too, as displayed in their recent movements for a "nuclear free world". (Try selling that one to Iran or China.) But they get good points for ground troops, as they can muster some of the best spec-ops troops in the world, such as the German GSG9, or the British SAS (as anyone who pays Cod 4 would recognize). If they can avert an actual missile launch, they could do very well.





ECONOMY

Very good here. According to Wikipedia (it must be true) the EU made 30% of the world's income in 2007. That makes them very wealthy, and considering their industry is mainly manufacturing, this makes them the money-state of the world. They also have access to the Italian peninsula and the fjords or Norway, all very fertile farmland. Money will be tight in a world-wide stand-off, so the EU will be powerful in this regard.

WORLD RELATIONS

Usually not a factor, but the EU has a trumps card: Strong ties with the US. They have a powerful and stalward ally, and should expoit it as much as possible. They also get a wild card, and that being a "we want to be friends" stance. If they get some proper leaders, they could use this as a mask and use subterfuge to neutralize threats without actually declaring war. That, or the Liberals will screw them and make the EU ripe for conquest.

TECH LEVEL

An average grade here, the EU does encourage scientific breakthroughs, and has a history of strong military inventions as well has having some of the top universities in the world at thier disposal. No real advantage compared to anyone else though, really.

OVERALL

The EU would be quite vulnerable in a nuclear war. With no missiles of its own, ans its missile defence system being scrapped, any nukes that hit major EU cities will cause havoc. Assuming no-one actually presses the big red button, the EU will do quite nicely. Their ideal strategy would be remain neutral (outwardly, anyway) and use excellent spec-ops to disable enemy launch sites and economic areas. Their economy will provide them with serious funds.

HISTORICAL COMPARISON

Think Carthage, at the very beginning of the 2nd Punic War. Hamilcar is away, so you don't have a good army near home, but if you can get the war on their turf, your professional troops and coffers will win the day.