04-04-2005, 12:53 PM
http//www.freeworldweb.net/thebook.html
I just finished reading this book at the weekend. I'd recommend it to fellow Britnetter's. Firstly on the grounds it's written by a British Academic. As European's living in the US we are acutely aware of the differences of opinion and politics between our two continents. This book draws out those key differences and try to show how we have more to gain by working together than drifting apart.
The American Right seem to think Europe is irrelevant and they can go it alone. Some Europeans, Chirac et al, think that the EU should become an alternative Superpower to counter-balance the US.
Garton Ash eloquently refutes these arguments and a more balanced approach. His key premise is that liberal democracy or 'freedom' originated equally from the US and Europe but is still only enjoyed by about a billion of the world's population.
He also argues that only by working together can 'the west' (mainly the US and Europe) spread liberal democracy to other parts of the world. This is not only within our political interests but a duty and cause we should all take up in the name of humanity.
Another factor, he asks us to consider, is that we hurry up and do this quickly - in the next twenty or thirty years. Europe is a fading power and the 'American century' has not long to run before subsumed by the rising economic power of Asia kicks in. Furthermore, Europe with a set of 'near East' neighbours with booming and largely 'Muslim' populations has much to gain by spreading 'freedom' to these countries and other parts of the world (Peacfully, I hasten to add).
The book is full of 'big-ideas' and I think worth a read whatever your politics. I thought it was reasonably balanced and made some very good arguments. Not everyone agrees with me though - see what this US geezer thinks (lifted from the web-site) .This is exactly why books like this are important and we should read them. I could now give him about five compelling reasons why he should give a damn and will one day change his mind.
Frank Walker, REPUBLICAN BY GOD
There are many Americans who support George Bush who thank GOD that he has the courage to not give a damn what the British people, French (especially) and other stuck up Europeans think of us. Because we do not think much of them. America First now and forewer.
I just finished reading this book at the weekend. I'd recommend it to fellow Britnetter's. Firstly on the grounds it's written by a British Academic. As European's living in the US we are acutely aware of the differences of opinion and politics between our two continents. This book draws out those key differences and try to show how we have more to gain by working together than drifting apart.
The American Right seem to think Europe is irrelevant and they can go it alone. Some Europeans, Chirac et al, think that the EU should become an alternative Superpower to counter-balance the US.
Garton Ash eloquently refutes these arguments and a more balanced approach. His key premise is that liberal democracy or 'freedom' originated equally from the US and Europe but is still only enjoyed by about a billion of the world's population.
He also argues that only by working together can 'the west' (mainly the US and Europe) spread liberal democracy to other parts of the world. This is not only within our political interests but a duty and cause we should all take up in the name of humanity.
Another factor, he asks us to consider, is that we hurry up and do this quickly - in the next twenty or thirty years. Europe is a fading power and the 'American century' has not long to run before subsumed by the rising economic power of Asia kicks in. Furthermore, Europe with a set of 'near East' neighbours with booming and largely 'Muslim' populations has much to gain by spreading 'freedom' to these countries and other parts of the world (Peacfully, I hasten to add).
The book is full of 'big-ideas' and I think worth a read whatever your politics. I thought it was reasonably balanced and made some very good arguments. Not everyone agrees with me though - see what this US geezer thinks (lifted from the web-site) .This is exactly why books like this are important and we should read them. I could now give him about five compelling reasons why he should give a damn and will one day change his mind.
Frank Walker, REPUBLICAN BY GOD
There are many Americans who support George Bush who thank GOD that he has the courage to not give a damn what the British people, French (especially) and other stuck up Europeans think of us. Because we do not think much of them. America First now and forewer.