Well, howdy there, Internet people, it's Bell again. So today, we're going to talk about a European

nuclear umbrella. But before we get started, today is Giving Day for California State University, Northridge.

There will be a link to Project Rebound down below. It's a great program and does great work.

As the United States declines in power, the vacuum in Europe is going to be filled.

As Europeans become less comfortable relying on the U.S. for, well, they're probably pretty

uncomfortable relying on the U.S. for much of anything right now.

But one of the most pressing issues is going to be the matter of deterrence.

Europe relied heavily on U.S. nuclear weapons for its deterrent.

Now, European leaders are talking about developing their own nuclear umbrella and deterrent.

Both France and the United Kingdom have nuclear arsenals.

President Macron of France is signaling he is very open to the idea,

saying that if other European nations, quote,

want to move towards greater autonomy and deterrence capabilities,

then we will have to open this very deeply strategic discussion. It has very sensitive and

very confidential components, but I am available for this discussion to be opened.

Historically, French nuclear doctrine has been about national interest,

but it is long considered Europe in its doctrine. The UK probably has too, but is less worth

coming about it. Between the two countries, they have about 500 or 600 warheads, according to estimates. There's reporting that

suggests France has offered to send nuclear-armed jets to Germany to act as a wider European

deterrent against Putin. Right now, a lot of people who have been in favor of the U.S. surrendering

its place on the world stage are

probably happy. Europe is taking care of its own security. This is exactly what they wanted.

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