politics
March 25, 2026
Like Putin, Trump is a megalomaniac. In Europe, we can shield ourselves, not look for rational motives
I had to deal with the energy shock in Germany after Putin invaded Ukraine. The solution now is the same: buy ourselves out of the fossil fuels trap
TL;DR
- Authoritarian rulers like Putin and Trump are driven by megalomania and a desire for historical grandeur, not ideology or international law.
- Both leaders underestimated their adversaries' resolve and the strategic interests of potential allies, leading to massive military miscalculations.
- Energy prices and supply have been weaponized in both conflicts, exposing Europe's vulnerability.
- Europe's energy transition has relied on switching fossil fuel suppliers rather than a consistent shift to renewables, creating new dependencies.
- Europe needs to develop its own defense capabilities, secure supply chains, and invest heavily in renewable energy to counter future threats.
- The solution to the energy crisis involves rapid electrification and increased domestic electricity generation, funded by redirecting spending from fossil fuels.
- Relying on hope is not a strategy; proactive action is required to prevent the worst outcomes in a new geopolitical landscape.
Continue reading the original article