[vuurmot]

looking at this from the other side of the world, it feels like americans are so insecure, as if they are constantly frightened

[plastic3169]

And who would ever even attack the US? Massive military spending and they are isolated from all the potential enemies behind two huge oceans. Average american should worry about civil war or maybe nukes. Nothing else will ever reach them.

[antalis]

They may not attack the US directly like the Japanese did, but China may want to take over its neighbours to expand. Just like Russia could.

[jjk166]

Fear of invasion creates massive military spending

Massive military spending creates peaceful times

Peaceful times create low military spending

Low military spending creates fear of invasion

Also the Canadians are the only ones who ever burned down DC.

[briandear]

9-11 is a counter example. Asymmetric warfare is a constant threat.

[philwelch]

That’s a funny statement because the other side of the world from the US includes places like Ukraine and central Africa (which is currently gearing up for a Third Congo War).

Enjoy the Pax Americana while it lasts. You won’t like what comes next.

[foldr]

There’s a pretty realistic China/US war scenario. China invades Taiwan and then the US responds militarily. I’m not saying that this is a particularly likely scenario, but it’s far from impossible.

[lupusreal]

The nature and number of the naval assets that China is building suggests that China invading Taiwan is actually very likely. Westerners who don't understand why China would want to do that get hung up on their lack of understanding, think it an irrational act (bad for trade, etc) and therefore unlikely for China to do. What they're missing is the concrete evidence of China preparing to do it.

Those amphibious landing ships have one purpose; they're as clear a signal as Russia building field hospitals near the border stocked with blood.

[suraci]

China reunifies Taiwan: 100%

US responds militarily: not likely but possible

[__MatrixMan__]

That's because we're constantly frightened. They work pretty hard to keep us that way.