@randahl Don't forget. The USA has always placed themselves in the leading position.

"European countries needn't develop nuclear weapons. We will provide the nuclear umbrella and will be central command."
Selling rocket systems that need their GPS systems.

Together with the hope/ believe in many (western) countries that Russia had become member of the international community and no longer the enemy has made us complacent.
The wake-up call is there, but getting our baring is not easy.