[QUOTE="Apara,  post: 29462, member: 151"]
The argument against Western Europe defending itself independently often revolves around the idea that NATO, led by the U.S., provides security more effectively through collective defense. Autonomous defense could lead to fragmentation, inefficiency, and unnecessary military spending.
[/QUOTE]
The US is composed of many states also.  If the US and Russia can manage, why can't Europe?