Core Viewpoint - The recent gathering of U.S. military generals at Quantico, led by Secretary of Defense Hegseth and President Trump, signals a potential shift in U.S. national security strategy, focusing on military culture and domestic order rather than external threats [1][2][12]. Group 1: Military Culture and Standards - Hegseth emphasized the importance of high physical standards for military personnel, advocating for uniform standards regardless of gender, and criticized the current state of military appearance [2][8]. - The concept of "warrior ethos" was highlighted as essential to military identity, with a call to eliminate political correctness and "woke culture" from the armed forces [3][6]. - Hegseth's proposed cultural revolution aims to restore a spirit of risk-taking and decisiveness within military ranks, countering decades of perceived decline [3][4][9]. Group 2: Leadership Changes and Military Structure - Hegseth indicated that recent leadership changes were based on a need for a shift away from past policies, with more changes anticipated [4][19]. - The military's increasing resemblance to a corporate structure has led to an overemphasis on management skills at the expense of combat readiness, with reports indicating that administrative burdens hinder operational effectiveness [5][6][9]. - The potential merging of military commands and a reduction of U.S. forces in Europe are being considered as part of a broader strategic realignment [19][20]. Group 3: Domestic Security Focus - Trump framed the military's role in domestic security as a response to social unrest, asserting that military intervention is necessary to restore order in cities controlled by Democratic leadership [11][20]. - The deployment of active-duty troops to urban areas is positioned as a fundamental aspect of national security, with Trump labeling the situation as an "internal war" [11][12]. - The shift towards prioritizing domestic security raises constitutional concerns regarding the use of military forces for law enforcement purposes [20]. Group 4: Strategic Realignment - Reports suggest that the Pentagon is drafting a new national defense strategy that may shift focus from deterring China to addressing threats closer to home, potentially reducing military presence in Europe [12][17]. - The historical context of U.S. military strategy indicates a transition from global engagement to a more localized approach, reflecting changing geopolitical dynamics [15][16]. - The challenges posed by economic decline, political correctness, and immigration are seen as critical factors influencing the current military and political landscape [20].

Arthur Hayes is doubling down on Bitcoin — labelling it the “fastest horse” — as the US pivots to save a dying Pax Americana. ​​In a new essay, the former BitMEX chief argues that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s plan to reindustrialise the country will unleash trillions of dollars in new credit, stoking inflation and, of course, launching Bitcoin far above its current $115,000 price. “Do not doubt that team Trump will use all the tricks in the book to print the money this transformation of America ...

Core Points - The article discusses the shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Trump, indicating a long-term move away from Atlanticism and European alliances towards a focus on the Asia-Pacific region [1][2] - It highlights the challenges Europe faces in re-establishing its own defense capabilities amid a perceived abandonment by the U.S. and the need for increased military spending [4][7] - The article emphasizes the fragmentation of European military capabilities and the reliance on U.S. military technology, which complicates Europe's efforts to independently rearm [12][13] Group 1: U.S. Policy Shift - The U.S. is moving away from Europe, prioritizing the Asia-Pacific region and sacrificing Atlanticism as a result of strategic contraction [1][2] - This shift is not merely a temporary phenomenon tied to Trump's presidency but reflects a long-term trend that will persist regardless of which party is in power [1] Group 2: European Defense Challenges - Europe is attempting to bolster its own defense capabilities, with NATO countries aiming to increase defense spending from 2% to 3% of GDP and enhance military equipment by 30% over the next 5-10 years [7][10] - The European Union has proposed an €800 billion "rearmament plan," with €650 billion coming from member states and €150 billion from a new EU fund [10] Group 3: Military Capability Fragmentation - European NATO countries have a total military strength of around 1.5 million personnel, but much of this is non-combat support, leading to concerns about actual combat readiness [4][6] - The reliance on U.S. military equipment is increasing, with European NATO countries' arms imports rising by 105% from five years ago, 64% of which come from the U.S. [6][12] - European military industries are struggling to meet the demand for advanced military technology, particularly in areas like combat aircraft and naval systems, which are heavily reliant on U.S. technology [12][13]