[extropy-chat] Re: POL(L): The Constitution of Europe

[JDP]

Dirk Bruere wrote:

> From: "JDP" <jacques at dtext.com>
>>
>>Do/did we need a formal Europe at all? Are European Extropes pro-Europe?
>>Why?
>
> 
> Because having a relatively coherent economic bloc of around 450m people is
> a base which can wield enough power to maintain the economic and military
> independence of its member states with respect to other world forces.
> 
> However, I am not in favour of an EU govt in Brussels that feels it can poke
> its nose into the purely internal workings of its member states eg criminal
> law, various Rights issues etc. The EU should be limited to inter national
> issues only.

Are there good reasons to think that agreement and coherent behaviour is 
possible in economic and military international matters without 
political unity?

Suppose a situation similar to WWII, with fascist Germany invading 
nearby countries, and causing a potentially global threat, and where the 
US got involved. Will a politically loose Europe manage to make the 
decision to get involved, or will it stay irresolute and passive while 
no clear agreement can be reached by the member States, except on the 
most extreme cases?

In other words, can Europe really leverage its military (and economic) 
power as a bloc while preserving the freedom and independence of its 
member States? Can you have the advantages of being a big State when you 
are a loose, ad hoc federation?

Jacques