Future of Europe: Collapse or Revival
Journal Title: Przegląd Socjologiczny - Year 2014, Vol 63, Issue 1
Abstract
Crisis in the eurozone has reignited discussions on the adequacy of the European integration model today. In particular –how to revive, still valid, European values while sorting out from the economic quagmire. And how to ensure a foresight under the pressure of short term difficulties while averting understandable yet unfounded loss of trust in the future of the European endeavour among the elites and parts of the populace in the – mainly some older – member countries. And prevent disillusionment of the new EU member states, still very supportive of the European integration. Last but not least, how to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and position, politically and economically, on the global scene in the post-American, or post-Western, world, with its uncertainty and rapid change. A heavy test the European solidarity undergoes shows that EU has arrived at the cross-roads: towards renaissance – or bankruptcy. Will though weakening of Europe (and euro) be in the interest of either the West with its civilization of democracy, human rights and free markets, or the world as a whole? A strong united Europe is needed to maintain a sound balance on that scene. Amid growing interdependence under globalization, avoiding a destructive rivalry among main country groups is a pre-condition of peaceful future and well-being of the planet. And joint solving of global problems encountered. Rejuvenated Europe should take part of responsibility towards its citizens and the international society deepening integration and reaffirming its values which brought, and keep, European nations together, and strengthening the European identity.
Authors and Affiliations
Ryszard Piasecki, Jan Woroniecki
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP166567
- DOI -
- Views 109
- Downloads 0
Christopher W. Moore, The mediation process. Practical strategies for resolving conflict, Fourth edition, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2014
-
The four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Remarks on the book The great leveler. Violence and the history of inequality from the Stone Age to the twenty-first century by Walter Scheidel
This article constitutes a review of the book “The great leveler” written by Walter Scheidel. We refer to the issue of constructing theories and pointing out the regularities in history. We present the scientific backgro...
Pułapka ekonomizmu. U źródeł dominacji neoliberalnej narracji modernizacyjnej w Polsce
The aim of this article is to provide an analysis of the symptoms and genesis of neoliberal economism, which plays a key role in the public discourse in contemporary Poland. The author examines its significance in many a...
Parkowanie i troska. Teoria praktyki w badaniach nad osiedlami wielkomiejskimi / Car parking and care. Researching urban neighbourhoods with the theory of social practices
The article is based on two different research experiences and describes the theoretical tools that were used in the analysis of large urban neighbourhoods. By reflecting on those experiences, we want to show the limitat...
Obszary wiejskie jako miejsce powstawania nowych ruchów społecznych. Implikacje teoretyczne i empiryczne
One can say that the changes affecting rural areas reflect the processes and phenomena on the level of society as whole. The growing importance of social movements, especially new social movements, which can be observed...