In this fiery opinion piece, David Heinemeier Hansson argues that Europe's current state of weakness—both militarily and spiritually—is a dangerous liability in an increasingly assertive global power dynamic. By comparing Trump's forthright style to a child's bluntness, he suggests that Europe's overreliance on American security and reluctance to assert its own strength is leading to a dangerous dependency. Hansson asserts that "If you want peace, you must be strong," emphasizing that Europe's desire for a peaceful, rules-based order is incompatible with feigning weakness. He warns that unless Europe embarks on a transformative journey to "get jacked," it will continue to be undermined and disrespected on the international stage.

Key points in the article include:

• Europe's Weakness: The author argues that Europe's spiritual and military frailty is unsettling, particularly in the face of ambitious powers like Russia and China.
• The Trump Factor: Trump's blunt, no-nonsense approach is seen as a harsh but necessary wake-up call, highlighting Europe's inability to match up to higher standards by relying on empty ideals.
• Incompatible Expectations: Europe cannot both depend on American security guarantees and expect to wield real influence in global affairs.
• The Need for Strength: Hansson invokes the principle that "If you want peace, you must be strong," warning against the pitfalls of maintaining a peace dividend mindset that leads to long-term vulnerability.
• A Candid Challenge: The piece concludes with a provocative call for Europe to "get jacked," suggesting that only by amplifying its strength will it be taken seriously on the world stage.

This thought-provoking analysis challenges Europeans to rethink their political and military strategies, urging them to move beyond complacency to secure their future in a competitive global environment.
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