Norton's right, of course. For the US it's always been about preventing Eurasian economic integration because of its threat to US hegemony.

Certainly, in the short to medium term, the US has succeeded in driving a wedge between Germany and Russia. But, at the same time, has pushed Russia and China closer.

That Germany seems willing to risk economic suicide to serve US interests is a wonder to behold.

The problem is vassalage to the US through NATO. It hardly matters if that's from within the EU or without.

Brexit was a total waste of time and effort, divisive and a diversion. As an example of British hubris, it has soured relations with our fellow Europeans, made trade a lot more difficult and it looks like a bonfire of derived protections is on the cards.

Neoliberalism on steroids.