Sadly the example is writ large with Brexit...cutting off his nose to spite his country, Boris, Nigel et al pushed the UK economy to the brink - now it will take Starmer and others decades to repair and rebuild such entities as the NHS and other vital infrastructure left to rot or fall. While NATO was raised as a bulwark against Russia/USSR, the reality of the 21st century is much-changed and I'm not overly convinced Russia is the same ferocious entity as the Cold War regime. That said, Putin is a dangerous leader to deal with, but far more clever than Trump. Should the EU go their own way as you suggest, the world will become quadripartite, composed of Europe, Russia & friends, China & friends and the Americas. Personally, I feel that would be a far better balance of power, which will reside in commerce and a more integrated exchange between blocs, where emerging nations could and should play a more important role in mitigating the excesses of the "superpowers" by means of treaties and free trade. While this is all "pie in the sky", alternative courses appear to bolster the same, tired politics and maintenance of the power elites around the globe. A new dynamic is needed and perhaps cooperation is it?

It's nice to hope...