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Europe rawks

While in Hong Kong, we raided a bookstore. Neil picked up Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century, which I’ve just finished reading. Mark Leonard certainly writes in a very accessible way. I thought it was a little too superficial, though, but that’s probably in light of recent events and an interest to know more. The message I took from it, though, and I think that was his intention, is that the ideals of the European Union are altogether more palatable for the rest of the word, especially compared with the Bush administration’s penchant for war. And that is why Europe (i.e. the principles and regional groupings) will dominate this century.

Hrm. That was a pretty superficial summary. Ah well.

8 Jun 2005

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Comments

I would be a little closer to believing this theory if the Dutch and French and not just refused to ratify the UE constitution. ;)

Tery
8 June 2005 || 12:08 pm

I haven’t read the text of the constitution (and I’m not a masochist), but the book says that the EU is supposed to be very hands-off. Perhaps the constitution gives Brussels too much control that people believe should be left up to the nations. What the book argues is that the basic principles of the EU are attractive. He further argues that these sorts of processes, where the French and Dutch populations have said no, is good for the union, because it forces them to find a workable solution and compromise. Everyone feels engaged and invested in the process, so no one will deliberately endanger the very structure of the EU itself by, say, declaring war on another member.

Andrea
8 June 2005 || 12:26 pm

Everyone feels engaged and invested in the process, so no one will deliberately endanger the very structure of the EU itself by, say, declaring war on another member.

Then the EU should get the US, Iran, and North Korea to join. Sorry…

Terry
8 June 2005 || 2:25 pm

Ah… but the idea is not to invite people to join, it’s for people to reform themselves so they become eligible to join! (o: