If Americans delete Italy they will be the Pariah of the world for a very long time
The rest of the world wouldn't do anything about it either, IMO. Just like they're doing for Ukraine now.
Also much more people have been to Italy,or at least know the country and it's culture compared to Ukraine. So the Fallout in Public Opinion would be way worse. China would also be salivating at an Opportunity to isolate the US, and that would be one presented on a silver platter
I don't think you can impose enough diplomatic sanctions on America to make us care, and certainly not enough to make up for deleting Italy.
Attacking one of the world largest Western economies, would turn the other ones against you
I'm just talking about reality. America can do pretty close to whatever it wants.
There's more than four non-European countries in the world, Christ.
Also, I think America can make it on its own, no help. And still be a powerhouse. You don't have to agree.
I honestly don't see that happening. Yes, there are Hungary and Poland, but if Italy - currently a US ally - got wiped off the map for some lame reason, why would or should anyone trust their alliance with the US?
Non-EU European countries also have mixed feelings about the US (and the West in general). See Serbia for example.
> Also, I think America can make it on its own, no help. And still be a powerhouse. You don't have to agree.
Yes, I'll disagree. We once had the whole making-it-on-our-own story in many countries in Eastern Europe. There were numerous shortages of even the most basic household items like fabric softeners and coffee. Many of those countries even had some trade between each other (Comecon) but it wasn't enough and that was 50+ years ago when we weren't dependent on China for electronics and every other piece of plastic out there.
The world is now more globalized and codependent than ever. You don't have to agree with me either.
Also no Nation can't make it on their own in 2026 without massive losses in Quality of Life
Response was: Yes, Italy could choose to do so. However, American would probably delete Italy if Italy made that choice.
So France would not be looking at the US deleting Italy for no reason.
I think we're have strayed too far from the point of ´might makes right' is bad, actually. GP very clearly chose Italy as an example because it's less polemic than the obvious option with a enormous manufacturing base and nukes.
You really think the French are going to sacrifice themselves to avenge the Italians?
To be clear, if we are talking about a salt-the-earth level conventional bombing for pure annexation / genocide of a EU nation the French would:
1. Remind the US via diplomatic means that they have nuclear subs and the will to use them.
2. If ignored, select some non-mainland territory (PR or Hawaii) and make a ultimatum. Mention that if the US does not desist they will wipe it, but will not launch attacks on the continental US.
3. Repeat 2 until they stop or escalate.
The French would absolutely do this, the thing you propose is so beyond the pale (even now) that the only conclusion is that the French would be next.
In the normal state of human affairs, being a pariah doesn't matter as long as your goals get done