A recent conversation between Glenn Diesen, Jeffrey Sachs and Alexander Mercouris examined the political changes unfolding in Europe.
The initial optimism surrounding the European project, as a region dedicated to peace and prosperity, has significantly diminished. The original objectives were to resolve continental conflicts peacefully and to use collective bargaining power to achieve greater economic and political independence. Peace from an EU that would "keep the Americans in, the Russians out and the Germans down". Prosperity from unleashing and coordinating the powerful economies of Europe.
However, things have not worked out for Europe. It is currently facing several critical challenges:
War and De-industrialization: Ongoing conflicts and a decline in industrial activity have destabilised the region.
Socio-economic and Political Instability: There is increasing unrest and uncertainty within European societies and governments.
Excessive Dependence on the United States: Europe's reliance on the U.S. has grown, impacting its autonomy.
Diminishing Global Relevance: Europe is becoming less influential on the world stage.
Key Points:
Failure to Adapt to Multipolarity: This is the starting point to any understanding and resolution. While the rest of the world adjusts to an emerging multipolar global order by diversifying economic connections and adopting "multivector" foreign policies, Europe has not succeeded here. It has clung to bloc thinking.
Subordination to U.S. Interests: it has in effect been vassalised within the American Empire. European nations have subordinated themselves to the U.S., meaning loss of sovereignty or decision making power, leading to economic decline and political subordination. This has had knock on consequences in terms of an electorate that can see. Its representatives turn to america before turning to national needs, and a leadership that because its power has been so limited has only succeeded in recruiting politicians of mediocre ability.
Declining Rationality in Policy Decisions: European policies towards Russia have been counterproductive, knowingly placing the continent on a collision course with Russia.
Increased Security Dependence: The proxy war with Russia has heightened Europe's security reliance on the U.S., allowing Washington to impose bloc discipline.
Proposed Steps for Reversing the Decline
Reversing Militarisation: Europe needs to de-escalate military tensions and dismantle the militarisation of dividing lines within the continent.
Diversifying Economic Ties: To avoid over-dependence on any single state or region, Europe like any sovereign entity needs to diversify its economic relationships - this is the way to build national character, enhance competitiveness and increase political autonomy.
Regaining Political Independence: By reducing excessive reliance on the U.S., Europe can reclaim its sovereignty and rationality in policymaking.
Conclusion:
The Youtube conversation highlights a critical need for Europe to reassess its current trajectory. By adopting a 2040 Vision, with strategies, policies and programs that embrace multipolarity, diversify economic partnerships, and restore political autonomy, Europe could reverse its decline and in time regain lost sovereignty over its affairs and re-establish itself as a region of peace and prosperity.
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