But if it were a union of smaller countries like the EU, they’d (hopefully) keep each other in check.
Since the Romans withdrew circa 450 the European Nations were almost always at war with one another until 1945; nearly 2,000 years of conflict! The peace they’ve enjoyed post WWII is because they were focused on an external threat (U.S.S.R.) and the United States functioned as a playground monitor.
So historically speaking they will absolutely NOT “keep each other in check”.
Since the Romans withdrew circa 450 the European Nations were almost always at war with one another until 1945; nearly 2,000 years of conflict! The peace they’ve enjoyed post WWII is because they were focused on an external threat (U.S.S.R.) and the United States functioned as a playground monitor.
So historically speaking they will absolutely NOT “keep each other in check”.
We have 2 external threats now. Russia and the USA.