In a single nation vs US controntation I would say no, the only possible except might be China be even that I wouldnt bet on. However I think many people on this board greatly underestimate the true military capcity of Europe. Just because the Europeans dont like to fight doesnt mean that can't. Already the combined military might of the EU is larger. I think the EU would give the US a real fight...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._active_troops

Originally Posted by mmarsh

In a single nation vs US controntation I would say no, the only possible except might be China be even that I wouldnt bet on. However I think many people on this board greatly underestimate the true military capcity of Europe. Just because the Europeans dont like to fight doesnt mean that can't. Already the combined military might of the EU is larger. I think the EU would give the US a real fight...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._active_troops

3European Union (Combined)1,565,000
4United States1,427,000


Look at the number of active troops per citizen as well. A higher percentage of the popualtion is in active military status vs the US. Then if you compare that to some of the other countries you will see that if the active troops per 1000 citizens were evened out the top 5 would come out well under the top 20 list for active duty service members vs the possible concsripts available.

That is ALL the European nations in the Union combined. So if England decided to go to war on the US the rest of the EU would go along with it? I can not even begin to enumerate the logistics nightmares in the waiting.

I don't want this to end up as a Country X vs Country Y thread, and I hope the mods don't perceive it as such, but America has better power projection capabilities than a combined EU Force. The EU has no heavy bombers and few 'real' Aircraft Carriers. Sure, invading Europe would not be an Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam or even WW2 for the US.

WOW! I had no idea India had the LARGEST number of active troops!

I sincerely hope all EU militaries unite under a single Armed Force. A lot of money would be saved that way.

I was working on an excel spreadsheet at work (I am at home finally) that depicted the % of the population that was in the military. I had it figured up but got called away from my desk. It is surprising really. If you look at the overall picture, some of the countries listed have a much larger population to draw on for conscripts than many of the countries that hold a large standing military.

If anyone has information that is general knowledge for countries e.g. Numbers of Tanks, Planes, weapon systems that can be put on the spread sheet then please look at my profile for my e-mail. I will do my best to put it on the spreadsheet and hopefully post it to a sight where I can just put a link up to it.

I sincerely hope all EU militaries unite under a single Armed Force. A lot of money would be saved that way.

Combined with more conservative governments I might actually consider visiting the "homeland" some time.

I was looking at this spreadsheet. It is surprising some the number of countries that have populations over 15mil yet have a standing military of less than 100,000.

In terms of the EU vs the USA:
1.) Well, the USA and the EU have an excellent relationship in general. There would have to a major shift in that relationship. It would have to be big enough for the entire EU in all of its disunity to firmly band together against the USA. I really can't dream up anything that could do that.
2.) Both are relatively equal in terms of technology. Both have nuclear weapons, so if the two went at it, we're looking at MAD taking effect the moment one or the other gets into a desperate situation. If someone somehow were to make nuclear holocaust impossible and the EU and the USA had to fight it out ...

-> neither would be capable of successfully invading the other. EU is somewhat larger in terms of population, so the sheer numbers they can draft into service is greater. The USA has a powerful Navy that would have to be destroyed before an invasion could be possible. Once a successful invasion is made, there is one very HUGE problem for the invaders: The USA's right to bear arms. Lots of them. American citizens are extremely well armed, on average. I feel sorry for anyone trying to occupy us because its going to cost them dearly in blood and lives.

The most important thing that I can say: Today's World is a rapidly changing World. A truly viable threat to the USA or anyone else in the world could materialize very quickly and in completely unexpected fashion. Nobody should ever say "nobody will ever threaten us." Its the first step toward exactly that happening.

Originally Posted by godofthunder9010

In terms of the EU vs the USA:
1.) Well, the USA and the EU have an excellent relationship in general. There would have to a major shift in that relationship. It would have to be big enough for the entire EU in all of its disunity to firmly band together against the USA. I really can't dream up anything that could do that.
2.) Both are relatively equal in terms of technology. Both have nuclear weapons, so if the two went at it, we're looking at MAD taking effect the moment one or the other gets into a desperate situation. If someone somehow were to make nuclear holocaust impossible and the EU and the USA had to fight it out ...

-> neither would be capable of successfully invading the other. EU is somewhat larger in terms of population, so the sheer numbers they can draft into service is greater. The USA has a powerful Navy that would have to be destroyed before an invasion could be possible. Once a successful invasion is made, there is one very HUGE problem for the invaders: The USA's right to bear arms. Lots of them. American citizens are extremely well armed, on average. I feel sorry for anyone trying to occupy us because its going to cost them dearly in blood and lives.

The most important thing that I can say: Today's World is a rapidly changing World. A truly viable threat to the USA or anyone else in the world could materialize very quickly and in completely unexpected fashion. Nobody should ever say "nobody will ever threaten us." Its the first step toward exactly that happening.

In My Opinion: EU would never dream of attacking the United States. First of all, we are letting the US do all the work. Second of all, we rely on US to gelp us out if something would ever happen. Third of all, we have some wierd respect towards the United States. Not as in *only* respect but I do believe the EU fear the states. A war against EU and US would never exist! Ever!

No.

Another civil war may weaken the US (and how likely is that???)

Originally Posted by Young Winston

No.

Another civil war may weaken the US (and how likely is that???)

Pretty bloody unlikely. During Presidential Election years, some people in other countries are like, "Oh my, it looks like the United States is on the verge of a bloody Revolution!" This is a misconception. The United States is standing very united. Political differences are there, but nowhere near strong enough to cause another Civil War in the USA.