Member-only story

The Grand Illusion: An Essay on Europe

Curtis Stewart

·16.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Grand Illusion? A: An Essay On Europe

6 min read

148 View Claps

19 Respond

Save

Listen

Grand Illusion?, A: An Essay on Europe

by Tony Judt

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	385 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	162 pages

By John Gray

The European Union is a grand illusion. It is a project that is doomed to failure because it is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of Europe.

The EU was founded on the belief that Europe is a unique and special place, a continent of peace and prosperity that has overcome its historical divisions. This belief is based on a myth. Europe has been a continent of war and conflict for centuries, and its divisions are as deep as ever.

The EU has also been founded on the belief that economic integration will lead to political integration. This belief is also based on a myth. Economic integration has not led to political integration in the past, and there is no reason to believe that it will do so in the future.

The EU is a project that is based on wishful thinking. It is a project that is doomed to failure.

The Myth of Europe

The myth of Europe is a powerful one. It is a myth that has been told and retold for centuries. It is a myth that has inspired great works of art, literature, and music.

But the myth of Europe is also a dangerous one. It is a myth that has led to wars and conquests. It is a myth that has been used to justify imperialism and colonialism.

The myth of Europe is a myth that needs to be challenged. It is a myth that needs to be replaced with a more realistic understanding of Europe.

Europe is a continent of diversity. It is a continent with a long and complex history. It is a continent that is home to many different cultures and languages.

The EU is a project that seeks to unify Europe. But it is a project that is based on a misunderstanding of Europe. Europe is not a unified continent. It is a continent of diversity.

The Failure of Economic Integration

The EU was founded on the belief that economic integration would lead to political integration. This belief has been proven false.

Economic integration has not led to political integration in the past. The European Coal and Steel Community, which was the precursor to the EU, was founded in 1951. It was a success in terms of economic integration. But it did not lead to political integration.

The EU has also failed to achieve political integration. The EU has a common currency, the euro. But it does not have a common fiscal policy. It does not have a common foreign policy. It does not have a common defense policy.

The EU is a project that is based on the belief that economic integration will lead to political integration. This belief has been proven false.

The Future of Europe

The EU is a project that is in crisis. It is a project that is facing a number of challenges, including the rise of populism, the refugee crisis, and the UK's vote to leave the EU.

The future of the EU is uncertain. It is possible that the EU will collapse. It is also possible that the EU will reform itself.

If the EU collapses, it will be a major setback for Europe. It will lead to a return to nationalism and division. It will make it more difficult for Europe to address the challenges it faces.

If the EU reforms itself, it will need to change its fundamental assumptions. It will need to abandon the belief that Europe is a unique and special place. It will need to abandon the belief that economic integration will lead to political integration.

The future of Europe is in our hands. We can choose to continue with the grand illusion of the EU. Or we can choose to create a more realistic and sustainable future for Europe.

Grand Illusion?, A: An Essay on Europe

by Tony Judt

4.4 out of 5