My wife, baby and I lived in Germany in an apartment well away from the military kaserne.
A couple of times our German neighbors scolded us for breaking local customs or rules. They meant no harm, and weren't trying to start WWIII.
My lunatic liberal younger sister is terrified that Trump will start WWIII. She has no grasp of the concept "Peace Through Strength."
My take is this: Trump and Putin are putting the world on notice, that some new sheriffs are taking over, and things may get different. I truly hope they do get different for muslim terrorists.
Muslim terrorist interests have exploited Obama, Merkel and others' weaknesses. Gladly that is changing.
Trump is MORE likely to assert lines with Russia AGAINST adventures in the Baltic, than Obama who actually encourages them by his weakness.
Apologies for being repetitious, my German neighbors were convinced that Reagan was going to start WWIII, and they pleaded with me to vote for Carter. For a couple of months leading up to the election, I took the time and effort 2-3 nights a week to explain why I thought Reagan would be a far better president. "Peace through strength" was a major aspect of my arguments.
Using my understanding of history (military, American, world, economic), I was able to explain to them (in German) the importance of a strong America as being good for the rest of the world. I was blessed to have had a great education, and learned how to express myself, though I was never on a debate team. For my last 4 years, I lived 12 miles from Hahn AB, and 30 miles from Spangdahlem (where our battalion HQ was at).
Shortly after Reagan was inaugurated, I was invited to sit at the gasthaus'
stammtische for the remainder of my tour, an honor I cherish to this day.