How is America going to project its power without the ability to use overseas air bases? Is it going to do Falklands-style bombing runs to the Middle East, with 15 tankers to get a single small bomber to its target?
Is it going to accept an even higher defense budget, without the NATO's near-compulsory purchases from American weapons manufacturers?
If America can barely keep a single aircraft carrier functioning in the Middle East, how is it going to wage a proper overseas war?
America's might comes from its giant network of overseas forward bases. Take those away, and you're left with a smaller variant of China.
How is America going to project its power without the ability to use overseas air bases? Is it going to do Falklands-style bombing runs to the Middle East, with 15 tankers to get a single small bomber to its target?
Is it going to accept an even higher defense budget, without the NATO's near-compulsory purchases from American weapons manufacturers?
If America can barely keep a single aircraft carrier functioning in the Middle East, how is it going to wage a proper overseas war?
America's might comes from its giant network of overseas forward bases. Take those away, and you're left with a smaller variant of China.