We are developing the social individualist meta-context for the future. From the very serious to the extremely frivolous... lets see what is on the mind of the Samizdata people.

Samizdata, derived from Samizdat /n. - a system of clandestine publication of banned literature in the USSR [Russ.,= self-publishing house]

Big wheel keeps on turning

Just how much influence Washington had in the establishment and growth of the EU is moot but what is certain is that successive US administrations looked favourably upon the EU, and British membership of it, seeing it (not unreasonably at the time) as a bulwark against the spread of communism.

No such bulwark is required now and, as Bruce Anderson points out, facts on the ground have dramatically altered the lofty ideals in the air:

“This mutual incomprehension and disdain will have far-reaching consequences, including a reassessment of American interests. Initially hurt by the Europeans’ attitudes, the Americans have rapidly ceased to care. They have now reached a stage at which they are no longer interested in what European countries think, with two exceptions: Britain — and Russia.”

The hope that the US might use its hyper-power influence to keep Russia out of the EU and, more importantly for me, get Britain out of the EU doesn’t look like quite such a long shot any more.

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