The Increasing Nothingness of Europe

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Europe once was a traditional continent filled with traditional countries. There were real nations to which real people gave allegiance. Perhaps too much allegiance, given the wars which afflicted modern Europe. Nevertheless, politicians were nominally accountable to voters. Governments had responsibility for economic policy. International cooperation started with countries and moved upward and outward.

This world has virtually disappeared. Today when speaking of Europe most people think of the European Union, a collective bureaucracy run by life-term bureaucrats beholden to no one.

Since European integration began in 1951 with creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the question has been: Will there be a Europe of states or a state of Europe? The euro is part of the attempt to create the latter, a Leviathan constructed from the surrendered sovereignties of Europe's nations.

Unfortunately, the Leviathan seems likely to continue growing. That means the ultimate destruction of traditional Europe.

There's only one important question for Americans: Can we avoid the same fate?

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