Russia expressed interest to join NATO and were denied but that may not be seen as Russia trying to enter the sphere of influence as it depends on the terms. But Russia was suspended from the BIS and I'm sure that is a concern to be outside that sphere of influence and there is history there as the BIS was a key part in the Russian default in 98.
I totally believe the EU believes they are stronger than they are or they have no othe path but to double down. The reason the EU even exists is the European elite thought they thought they could create a union to rival the US to replace the US reserve currency upon it's collapse to keep their wealth intact. That plan failed to ever get off the ground - the main Central Banks were way overleveraged and having to deal with the debt levels from the PIIGS and they were really pissed about Brexit.
Russia expressed interest to join NATO and were denied but that may not be seen as Russia trying to enter the sphere of influence as it depends on the terms. But Russia was suspended from the BIS and I'm sure that is a concern to be outside that sphere of influence and there is history there as the BIS was a key part in the Russian default in 98.
I totally believe the EU believes they are stronger than they are or they have no othe path but to double down. The reason the EU even exists is the European elite thought they thought they could create a union to rival the US to replace the US reserve currency upon it's collapse to keep their wealth intact. That plan failed to ever get off the ground - the main Central Banks were way overleveraged and having to deal with the debt levels from the PIIGS and they were really pissed about Brexit.