Europe in the New Century: Visions of an Emerging Superpower
Just as historians constantly referred to the "rising" middle class, post-World War II observers have increasingly referred to the "emergence" of a united western Europe. Guttman, editor in chief ofEuropemagazine and a frequent commentator on European issues on radio and TV, has assembled an interesting and eclectic collection of essays examining the future of Europe from the standpoint of politics, economics, diplomacy, and cultural integration. All of the essays assume that European unity is inevitable. Of course, the persistence of strong nationalistic currents and the chronic inability of European nations to respond collectively to international crises are ignored. Still, Europeans have made impressive strides, particularly in the economic sphere, and several of these essays speak eloquently about both these accomplishments and the great future possibilities. Regarding foreign policy, the essays suggest that individual nations continue to pursue their own interests, paying mere lip service to "European" policies. European unity, in whatever form it takes, poses important questions for American political and business leaders, and this collection provides a broad and informative look at future scenarios.Jay FreemanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved