"Since Europe is dependent on imports of energy and most of its raw materials, it can be subdued, if not quite conquered, without all those nuclear weapons the Soviets have aimed at it simply through the shipping routes and raw materials they control"

This quote by Barbara Amiel suggests that Europe is vulnerable to external control due to its dependence on imports of energy and basic materials. Amiel indicates that the Soviet Union could potentially subdue Europe without the use of nuclear weapons, merely by controlling the shipping paths and raw materials that Europe relies on. This highlights the importance of Europe's access to resources and the potential for external powers to manipulate this access in order to acquire control over Europe. Amiel's quote also acts as a cautioning to Europe to be knowledgeable about its dependence on imports and to take actions to safeguard its access to resources.