It does, but the European and American economy have really diverged in the last 25 years. 25 years ago economies like Germany, Netherlands etc. were pretty much on par with the US economy (on per capita basis), which is not true anymore. And there wasn't a world war on European soil in the past 25 years.

I would blame: - Mishandling the financial crises after 2008 (austerity measures) - Aging population (low birthrate + not enough immigrants) - Internet businesses really have an advantage in markets that are mono-lingual and most growth came from the internet in the past 25 years. - The EU exists, but the market is still very fragmented.

It's true, the US had to go civilize Europe twice. America is using a lighter hand this time, but that is also because America is relatively weaker now. If Europe needs the US to come civilize it a third time, I think it might not happen. They will simply descend into the barbarism of the great wars without America to come quell them into civilization.