Would Europe collapse without US troops? It is the other way around (Park Jong-hoon's Knowledge Punch)

Park Jong-hoon argues that the United States' consideration of reducing its troop presence in Europe by up to half of the current 8 ten-thousand troops would burden European security in the short term but could also undermine American hegemony in the long term. Italy and Spain prohibited the United States from using American military bases in their countries and their airspace for attacks on Iran, and Germany also criticized the attacks. In response, the United States is considering troop reductions in those countries, but its European bases are also strategic assets needed for operations in the Middle East and Africa, the petrodollar order, and efforts to counter China. Indeed, the United States went so far as to support Spain's dictatorship in the past to secure bases, and it still seeks to expand Morón Air Base today. Historically, France demanded the withdrawal of American troops after acquiring nuclear capabilities, whereas West Germany abandoned demands to convert dollars into gold because of its dependence on American defense. The video argues that American troop reductions could encourage European defense self-reliance rather than force Europe into submission, strengthening its ability to reject American demands 10~15 years from now. As Europe increases defense spending, it is reducing the share spent on American products and seeking to establish a regional defense industry ecosystem by requiring 65% European-made components and the authority to modify designs. In this process, the share of South Korean weapons has increased. Poland, in particular, is acquiring more South Korean than American weapons because of rapid delivery and competitive pricing. However, Europe also requires South Korean companies to produce locally, so short-term export opportunities could ultimately lead to technology transfers and stronger European production capabilities. In conclusion, the video argues that American troop reductions could have the short-term effects of lowering American costs and increasing weapons sales, but risk weakening American influence in the long-term competition for hegemony with China by accelerating Europe's strategic independence and domestic defense production.