Panel: Insecure, incoherent, unstable? Europe in a relativist age

13:30 - 15:15
Panel 1: Insecure, incoherent, unstable? Europe in a relativist age
Most analysts agree that the era of “Western hegemony” has come to an end. But what replaces it, and how should we adapt?
It seems that European elites find these questions especially difficult to answer. Indeed, European societies are said to be beset by a pressing absence of clarity when it comes to fundamental questions. Defining once straightforward ideas such as patriotism, national interest, or sovereignty has become increasingly difficult for European societies. Many European leaders prefer the elite jargon of diversity and inclusion to the hard-nosed reality of international politics.
It sometimes seems that, without any strong ideas, Europeans have been sleepwalking into a crisis. Even a war in Europe has not been enough to shake Europeans from clinging to old fictions. Whilst Macron has delivered long sermons or Scholtz pontificated about his Zeitenwende, US power has papered over the black hole that European elites call their “strategic autonomy”.
If the idea of European strategic autonomy lacks any real substance, might this be because our elites are simply incapable of conceiving of a vision which might attract support and loyalty? After all, Europe is a collection of very different national cultures - despite any similarities, what could a “strategy” for such a diverse group even look like?
But with the election of Donald Trump, is this all set to change? Are Europeans likely to respond to a new era of American isolationism by finally discovering a strategic vision for Europe? Or do the absence of answers to the big, civilisational, geopolitical questions of our time long predate Trump?
Speakers :
Bill Durodié visiting Professor MCC Brussels
Ashley Rindsberg, investigative journalist; author, The Gray Lady Winked: How the New York Times' misreporting, distortions and fabrications radically alter history
Ralph Schoellhammer, assistant professor of International Relations at Webster Vienna Private University, visiting fellow at MCC Budapest
This panel is part of the event Culture War Goes Global? Geopolitics in a new era: brussels.mcc.h...

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One correction: Obama was "half black". He was also the first "half white" President.

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Relativism and subjectivism raise all views to equal legitimacy.

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