Yes, you're right. It just that the comparison with Ukraine (invaded for no rational reason) + 'wiping out' made me think sejje was making a stronger (?) hypothetical.

I think we're have strayed too far from the point of ´might makes right' is bad, actually. GP very clearly chose Italy as an example because it's less polemic than the obvious option with a enormous manufacturing base and nukes.

>That would result in the obliteration of France?

To be clear, if we are talking about a salt-the-earth level conventional bombing for pure annexation / genocide of a EU nation the French would:

1. Remind the US via diplomatic means that they have nuclear subs and the will to use them.

2. If ignored, select some non-mainland territory (PR or Hawaii) and make a ultimatum. Mention that if the US does not desist they will wipe it, but will not launch attacks on the continental US.

3. Repeat 2 until they stop or escalate.

The French would absolutely do this, the thing you propose is so beyond the pale (even now) that the only conclusion is that the French would be next.

Absolutely. Submarine launched and with 10000km range it doesn’t even have to be in open seas. Now France would get obliterated too in response but we’re talking a scenario where the US has already « deleted » Italy so the game theory leans fatalistic

Modern nukes explode high in the atmosphere, so "hitting" is not very difficult. They aren't exactly precision weapons.