It was interesting for me to read both articles again after having a semester of European history, where we analyzed in-depth only certain significant moments of history. The Pfaff article’s main theme is about American hegemony, and the consequences, both positive and negative, of American domination. He argues that hegemony is cyclical, so eventually, it will end. Reading the article over again, the point that jumped out the most to me was when he stated that American hegemony will be challenged, and has been challenged throughout America’s reign as the supreme world power. I found this statement interesting because I realized that various countries in Europe were once the world power. England, Spain, France, and Germany were all once super powers, while America was just beginning. Other countries then challenged their reign, and took over their position. Pfaff argues that this take-over will eventually happen with America (and many say that China will be next to hold the hegemonic status). Constantly and inevitably, nations fight other nations for power, as we have seen throughout the time periods that we have covered in class this semester.
The Stern article discussed Europe’s necessity to build solid foundations as it becomes “the new Europe” – one single united region made up of numerous countries with political, economic, and social interdependence amongst each other. One interesting point that caught my eye while reading it for the second time revolves around the fact that when new regimes throughout history were created (ie. fascism, Bolshevism), the majority of the people thought that the regime was the answer, the right path for their country. This is a rather frightening thought if we apply it to our world today. There are numerous regimes in Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of the globe, and Stern’s comment made me think about whether the citizens of these countries think that the regimes they live under is “the right one.” Do the majority of the people living under Iraq see Saddam Hussein’s regime in a positive light, even though Americans and other outsiders are taught to believe that it is evil? I think that our current situation with Iraq can be compared and related to America’s approach and response in dealing with Hitler. Again, it is emphasized that history repeats itself. While being in the class this semester, I can see more clearly just how and why history has such a cyclical characteristic. People must be more aware of the consequences of this characteristic in order to change the course of history in the future.