Author: kingsstudent97

A European Studies undergrad who's as pro-EU as it gets; political union, federalism, bring on the single currency. But in all seriousness, I'm open to debate, am willing to argue as well as hear the other side and will concede when I'm wrong. Ask anyone, it's almost a pastime.
There is a dêmos-shaped hole in the centre of Europe – DiEM25 must fill it
Democracy in Europe · The Future of Europe

There is a dêmos-shaped hole in the centre of Europe – DiEM25 must fill it

kingsstudent97Leave a comment

The point Varoufakis is trying to make however is that, to say democracy is deficient in Brussels is to utterly understate the crime. Rather, democracy has never been at the centre of the European construct, and as such has only been an obstacle to negotiate in the minds of the men in power who built it. As Brussels has acquired more power, this fact has only become more evident in the way Europe has dealt with challenges against it, and more present in the minds of its citizens. The problem exploded in the wake of the Sovereign Debt Crisis, to the point that it can no longer be ignored. Left unchecked, it is now killing Europe.

Macron could champion the French wing of the DiEM25 Coalition
Democracy in Europe · La Vie en bleu

Macron could champion the French wing of the DiEM25 Coalition

kingsstudent972 Comments

Kerneuropa will finally have rallied behind teutonic economic management, for the small price of formalising the political oversight of these principles. What some seem to be painting as the next ‘Grand Bargain’ will in fact be the final capitulation to Berlin and Frankfurt’s brand of neoliberalism, and the end of any hope for Southern Europe escaping the economic crisis with its dignity.

The Establishment vs. The Nationalists Round 2: Europe’s fate balances on a knife’s edge
Elections · European Politics · La Vie en bleu

The Establishment vs. The Nationalists Round 2: Europe’s fate balances on a knife’s edge

kingsstudent97Leave a comment

There is a common thread in these votes, even if when we get into the details we find several differences. That is that there are strong forces across Europe pushing highly disruptive, anti-establishment messages and ideas.

On Europe; Questions and Reflections on the divided continent (pt.3)
A Republic of Letters · Democracy in Europe

On Europe; Questions and Reflections on the divided continent (pt.3)

kingsstudent97Leave a comment

Like Tadeusz Rejtan, who desperately tried to halt the partition and disintegration of his country 1773, we must block the door of the room that is the European idea even as others begin to make their discreet or not so discreet exit. If we do not, then Europe’s slide will be unstoppable, and our great civilisation will pass to history.

On Europe; Questions and Reflections on the divided continent (pt.2)
A Republic of Letters · The Future of Europe

On Europe; Questions and Reflections on the divided continent (pt.2)

kingsstudent97Leave a comment

Europa is the home of difference and diversity, where new influences are not added to anything but clash and conflict with each other, fighting on the great Hegelian battleground of culture, creed and beliefs. The problem is of course, when this civic conflict of words, arguments, images and sounds becomes one of bullets and bayonets; it is then that we remember why we need a United Europa.

On Europe; Questions and Reflections on the divided continent
A Republic of Letters · The Future of Europe

On Europe; Questions and Reflections on the divided continent

kingsstudent97Leave a comment

Europa, I think we can say with certainty however, is and long has been much more than a place on a map, contrary to Bismarck’s note in 1876 (‘Qui parle Europe a tort. Notion géographique’). Certainly, we can take Metternich’s foreshadowing of this comment in 1847, with the assertion that Italy was purely a geographic notion, as a sign that Germans are apt as misjudging political and social developments on this continent.

Imperial Europe: The Return of Europe as Empire?
A Republic of Letters · Europe as Empire

Imperial Europe: The Return of Europe as Empire?

kingsstudent97Leave a comment

The European Union is among the most profound achievements of the last century; in many ways, it has changed the face of Europe and its place in the world, from one of violence, strife and oppression, to a beacon of ‘peace…democracy and…prosperity’. By the fin-de-siècle, commentators were hailing the ‘New European Century’ and a ‘beacon of light in a troubled world’. The latter commentator also argued that Europe’s aim was to seek ‘harmony, not hegemony’. This raises a key question, namely, the nature of Europe’s relationship with Imperial power.

The debate on Europe has begun; but will it be enough?
A Republic of Letters · The Future of Europe

The debate on Europe has begun; but will it be enough?

kingsstudent97Leave a comment

We are at a crossroads in Europe; we have long since reached one of those decisive moments in history where we have to make decisions about the direction our societies are going to take, what are the forces which will be driving them and what will be the political context around them. Our commitment to a united Europe is chief among those questions. It is the defining political question of our time.