Quiana A. Salazar-King
European History 151
Professor Schwartz
May 6, 2003
Second Reaction to Pfaff and Stern Articles
After rereading the Pfaff and Stern articles pre and post taking this class I found that I could more critically examine these articles. While the purpose of the class was to gloss over European history, the most valuable lesson I have taken from the class is the ability to analyze how our past effects our present, and will manifest in our future. The historical context that I know have of European history has helped me to better evaluate some of the historic events that have happened recently, particularly the war in Iraq.
Pfaffs’ words in retrospect are almost haunting. He writes, “The hegemony argument is linked to the debate over whether the objective of Western foreign policy should be democracy’s promotion in countries not yet democratic.” This debate has a new meaning since the U.S. declared war on Iraq. I think that the debate on the power and responsibility of the United States’ hegemonic power is central to the future of not only the U.S., but of the world.
As Stern wrote, “In a globalized world our attention shifts rapidly, our perspective has broadened, our understanding has narrowed,” I think that the statement has new meaning haven taking this course. From this course I have learned how the power structure set forth throughout European history has laid a foundation for development throughout the world. Clearly much of the American foreign policy toward Iraq, and most certainly the reactions of various European countries to American intervention, can be directly linked to past historical events. The most immediate connection in my mind would be the Treaty of Versailles or the formation of NATO. In examining our present it is essential to critically evaluate the historical patterns that continue to persist, in order to prevent previous mistakes. With the age of globalism the biggest tragedy is not our narrowed understanding, but rater our apolitical stance. With busy lives and cell-phones invading our bathrooms and the dinner table being busy is a very easy distraction.