- The article examines the historical promise of a prosperous and democratic Europe that emerged after 1945 and intensified following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- This vision was characterized by endless economic growth, social justice, global development, and human rights, all built on peaceful commerce.
- However, the text questions whether this trajectory toward a 'city on a hill' has been realized.
- The central argument posits that the failure to achieve a necessary democratic union in Europe is not due to a lack of resources, experience, or talent.
Quick Summary
The article examines the historical promise of a prosperous and democratic Europe that emerged after 1945 and intensified following the collapse of the Soviet Union. This vision was characterized by endless economic growth, social justice, global development, and human rights, all built on peaceful commerce. However, the text questions whether this trajectory toward a 'city on a hill' has been realized.
The central argument posits that the failure to achieve a necessary democratic union in Europe is not due to a lack of resources, experience, or talent. Instead, the primary obstacle identified is a fundamental lack of political will. The piece reflects on the irony that while the future was once considered assured, the past has become increasingly unpredictable, challenging the foundations of the post-Cold War liberal order.
The Post-War Promise
The geopolitical landscape of Europe has been defined by a specific set of expectations regarding its future. Following the end of the Second World War in 1945, and even more significantly after the dissolution of the Unión Soviética, a distinct narrative took hold. This narrative promised a future of perpetual economic expansion and social equity.
Key pillars of this promised era included:
- Continuous global development
- The universal expansion of human rights
- A world increasingly democratic and liberal
- Foundation based on peaceful international trade
This era was often characterized by a sense of historical inevitability, where progress was the only possible outcome.
The future is assured, it is the past that has become unpredictable.— Old Soviet joke
The Inversion of History
A distinct shift occurred in the perception of time and stability. A notable observation from the era of the Soviet Union captured this inversion: 'The future is assured, it is the past that has become unpredictable.' This sentiment highlighted a belief that while the trajectory forward was set, the origins and lessons of history were becoming volatile.
Today, this observation appears to have reversed. The predictability of the future is now the subject of intense debate, while the historical context of the last several decades is scrutinized for clues about what went wrong. The 'city on the hill'—a metaphor for an idealized democratic society—seems more distant than before.
The Deficit of Political Will 🗳️
The core of the issue regarding European unity is not material but ideological. The continent possesses the necessary capital, expertise, and human capital to achieve a robust democratic union. There is no shortage of funds or brains to execute the vision of a unified Europe.
What is missing, according to the analysis, is the voluntas politica—the political will to act. The failure to integrate and solidify the democratic framework of the continent is attributed to a reluctance among leadership to commit to the necessary steps. This suggests that the barriers to the 2035 vision are self-imposed rather than external.
Conclusion: The Unwritten Future
As Europe looks toward 2035, the path forward remains uncertain. The historical momentum that carried the continent from the ruins of war to the promise of integration has stalled. The debate is no longer about the inevitability of progress but about the choices that have prevented it.
Ultimately, the question posed is whether Europe will succumb to fragmentation or reclaim the vision of a unified democratic entity. The answer lies not in external forces like the CIA or the UN, but in the internal decision-making of European nations to overcome their lack of political will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main obstacle to European democratic union?
The article identifies a lack of political will as the primary obstacle, rather than a shortage of funds, experience, or human resources.
What was the promise of the post-Soviet era?
It was a promise of endless economic growth, social justice, global development, and a world based on peaceful trade and liberal democracy.
