EC2003 MEDC
A few years in the future ... Disputes over trade and environmental issues have created friction between Russia and the European Union. After one incident where two of its warships were sunk by E.U. forces, there is evidence that Russia will make a punitive strike designed to "educate" the E.U. The "lesson," of course, is that Europe cannot attack Russia with impunity. Russia believes that America is unlikely to interefere. The growing global influence and economic power of the E.U. has created tension with the United States. If Russian troops were marching into Berlin or Paris, the United States would act to defend its allies and its strategic interests, but the prevailing attitude in America at the moment is that, for anything less, the E.U. can fend for itself. In fact, there are many Americans who would like to see the E.U. humbled a bit. The loss of a few warships or a few city blocks may be just the thing to do it. (Released October 2004).