United States versus Europe

Dream On

I am not a great follower of golf; it takes too much time, doesn't provide much cardio exercise and it was too expensive when I spent a couple of years playing in the 1970s before the family arrived. However, I watched the current Ryder Cup event in the United States with a genuine excitement. The European golfers, drawn from Scandinavian countries, Britain, Ireland, Spain, and Austria, trounced the American team and their aggressively loud supporters, particularly on day one when President Trump was there to celebrate American greatness.

The 15 -13 result for the Europeans reflected the different attributes of the two teams. In the foursomes and four-ball matches, where team spirit counts, the European team established an 11.5 to 4.5 lead. In the individual matches, the Americans' thirst for hero status brought them back as they achieved an 8.5 to 3.5 victory.  Since the Europeans first became involved in the Ryder Cup in 1979, they have established a 13 to 9 victory over the Americans.

It made me reflect that my generation of baby boomers has grown up in a world where America was regarded as the top dog in everything - GDP, weapons, wealth, philanthropy, aeroplanes, consumer products, income levels, and new technology. And all of this was celebrated by a film industry that infiltrated and entertained the world and created the American dream. This year, the United States has lost much of this respect as it has cut international aid, withdrawn from international bodies, vetoed peacekeeping proposals at the United Nations, introduced arbitrary trade tariffs, threatened to take over some countries and failed to end conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The retreat of the USA into isolation and its withdrawal from international bodies has tarnished its reputation across the world. It should prompt a wider examination of whether Europe has been living on a misinformed assumption that the United States is any longer all-powerful. 

If we thought of Europe as federations of states, which they increasingly are, and draw comparisons with the United States, the perceived power and dominance of the USA would be far less convincing than it was in the latter half of the last century. Here are some useful comparisons.

The United States has a population of 347.275 million 
Europe has a population of 744,398 million, excluding Turkey

The United States had a GDP of $30,507 trillion in 2024
Europe had a GDP of $25,323tn trillion in 2024

As a matter of comparison, China had a GDP of $19,231 trillion and Russia $2076 trillion

If we look at the performance at the last Olympic Games in 2024, the medal table would read:

                               Gold.         Silver    Bronze

Europe                     119            121        151

United States             40             44           42

Europe, with twice the population, won three times as many medals

Or take Tennis, a sport that the United States dominated in the last century

Grand Slam winners since 2000

                            Men.    Women

Europe                  88          41
United States          6          38

And in the world's most popular sport, football, the United States is a mere minnow at the men's game, only notable for hosting the event three times, including next year.  Conversely, the women are the most successful team, winning the World Cup 4 times since its inception.

What does this tell us? Well, we have probably been duped into believing the United States always calls the shots and that we should do its bidding. When FDR Roosevelt was in his pomp, driving forward progress and seeking to establish an international order, this was a justifiable stance, particularly for Europe. Times have changed. Make Europe Great Again. (Mega)

Europe wins Ryder Cup again (13-9)