World politics

World Politics

World Politics

Unit - 6 - Question

Given the difference between European countries and the U .S . over Iraq do you agree with Christopher Layne that an enlarged Europe , France Germany , Russia and sometimes China are developing new habits of diplomatic cooperation to oppose the United States

In general terms , the future vision of diplomatic cooperation between the European Community , Russia and China as an effective opposition to the United States , is credible . However , there are certain issues relating to the fundamental aspects of this issue that raise doubts in

br respect of both the timescale of such an event , and the possibility of its successful conclusion . These issues center more around the European element than they do either Russia or China

There is little doubt that China , with its inherently singular political structure and population size , combined with its successful merging of capitalist benefits within a communist political structure will eventually become a successful counter-balance to the United States . Similarly , Russia , despite the economic and social difficulties it has experienced over the past two decades as a result of the break-up of the former USSR , still has the ability , both politically and geographically to re-build itself into a superpower capable of opposing the US . In addition , it can use the residual fear that remains in American minds to aide this process . There is little doubt that both of these countries are seeking to achieve a position where , independently or in unison , they will become an effective opposition to the United States . In view of the geographic position of these two countries , there is little doubt that they will work in diplomatic harmony toward this end

However , it is in the European Community theatre that the future direction is not so clear . Irrespective of the United States intervention in Europe over the past four decades , there are historical cultural , political and language issues that at present would appear to make their future as an effective opposition to the US uncertain . In sharp contrast to the US , Russia and China , the European Community is an array of varied cultures , psychological , political and linguistic communities . Furthermore , despite its central Commission , there is no dominant political direction or structure . Nor is there one political figure upon which the citizens of Europe can rest their focus . If the US speaks , that speech is identified with the leader of the current administration and the same is true or Russia and China . It is clearly not the case with Europe

Historically Europe can , in certain respects , be compared with the former British Empire . In that instance , there was only one dominant force , the UK , as against the dual dominance in Europe , France and Germany . However , this aim for dominance , together with the diversity in Europe at the present is reminiscent of the Commonwealth . Because of these situations , the Commonwealth did not succeed in becoming a sustainable long-term global power . The danger is that Europe will follow this growth pattern

Therefore , whilst I agree with Christopher Layne that...