Kaiserschmarrn wrote:I think that freedom of expression is restricted at more than one level in Europe (e.g. hate speech laws), but in my previous post I was referring to opinions on policy expressed through a democratic vote where the available options have become narrower with ever more bilateral and multilateral treaties, the EU and the Euro.
Related to this, Brexit is a litmus test in my view, as this is a case where for the first time the political class has to implement a democratic vote which the majority of them strongly oppose. If Brexit is not implemented or watered down beyond recognition, then democracy has lost. I hope very much that the Brits live up to their historical reputation on this.
I do think the” Europe needs something much more flexible. I'd be happy with an EU that can accommodate countries like Switzerland and the UK and that doesn't push for "ever more integration" by default.
I don't believe that the EU is responsible for peace, prosperity and freedom in Europe. That's predominantly due to the Cold War, NATO, US dominance and capitalism/free markets, although the EC/EU probably made a contribution, especially to prosperity.
Little surprise: I see contradictions in your post.
Let's take freedom.
Portugal had dictatorship when it joined NATO, and Greece had dictatorship in between times, while being member of NATO.
NATO is less a community of freedom, than one of common security interests, which of course are important.
NATO is a shield, but is not the essence of that what is shielded.
EU was able to give hope for freedom and prosperity, which NATO can protect, but not create.
You claim that lasting peace, longer than ever, is “predominantly due to the Cold War”.
Let us assume you are right to a certain extend in the timeline.
But Cold War ended some 30 years ago. And CW-peace was achieved by brinkmanship with the vivid risk of MAD (mutually assured destruction).
Moreover: “US dominance” is now overstretched and waning in different kinds.
One of them is “ capitalism/free markets”.
“Free markets” e.g. free competion, is clearly a base of economic growth to enhance prosperity.
Yet “capitalism” is not the same. As the “capitalist” is not by nature prone to free competition, but has equally the wish to erase it. US is now, more than ever, percepted as such a “capitalism”.
And O.K., Europe should be more flexible.
But it remians remarkable, that those who call for more flexibity are them same,
who do not want to surpass authority enabeling EU to act in their sense.
The idea, that Brexit would be a failed litmus test for democracy,
in the case Brexit fails, is without any validation.