History Tells All Anna Vembu
History 151
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In order for Europe build up the idea of a “New Europe” they have started to take a deeper look into their past. When reflecting on such a past as told by Fritz Stern the Europeans see “a century short in years but long in horror.” Because Europe endured such a tragic time period engaged in war they are less likely to rival individual countries with in their own continent unlike their past. Europe went through a long list of ideological socialist and communist regimes, which could be foreseen when reflecting upon Europe’s history.
Now Europe is starting to move forward with a new pan European mentality. The idea of nationalism is now being replaced with ideas of a unified Europe. War within Europe is less likely especially now that Europe is making greater strides toward their becoming a dominating world power. However, Europe will be facing new problems unlike that of nationalistic rivalry. These problems will be manifested in terms of multiculturalism as well as terrorism, which will impede and slow down the process of European development as they strive to be more like a hegemonic power.
The U.S. is currently in the role a hegemonic world power according to William Pfaff, however their position isn’t a permanent one. The American mentality is based on the plat form that, “ the U.S. is top dog.” The U.S. has enjoyed their position as a hegemonic leader, however as history indicates and as Pfaff claims, “The history of such maters is that hegemonic power inevitably generates its own opposition.” Perhaps the U.S. will be challenged by such new emerging powers like Europe in the form of the E.U. or perhaps by China. History tells the future through the past by its present actions; that is how we can determine the out come of Europe and the fall of the U.S. Perhaps history won’t tell us exactly when these things will happen, but it will certainly be a good indicator.