Myth and geopolitics of the Rhineland frontier
Michael Loriaux
What is European Union about? Referenda in France, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Denmark have spawned doubts about EU's future. The union's champions had been wagering for decades that once Europeans experienced its benefits they would gratefully ratify project at polls. In words of former EU trade commissioner Pascal Lamy, “the people weren't ready to agree integration, so you get on without telling them too much what was happening.” But as it turns out, “people,” not having heard happening, are now demanding greater clarity being asked ratify. question “what about?” has become, first time a half century, topic public debate. Although success undisputed – peace Europe secure, economy sound spots dynamic, force reckon with international economic affairs sympathy support eroded by uncertainty frustration regarding aims purpose. Debate often oppressively technical. federalist ideal no longer stirs imagination vision more humane instance political life. specter haunting one failure loss moral horizon. It tedium, ossification becomes merely local manifestation cum welfare global capitalism.
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