Obama has said he expects European allies to chip in their fair share of defense spending, and European public opinion supports it. But as a Tufts expert points out, many challenges in Europe remain.
The Brexit vote was the outcome of the disillusionment and disengagement that have permeated the UK. Many Europeans share that mood, which is why both the UK and EU need radical democratic surgery.
The UK’s free market orientation and its strong tendency towards short-termism and impatient capital could have significant adverse effects on the economy in the long run.
Radical right populists are on the brink of power in Austria and making gains across the region. And the European leaders who once were willing to publicly condemn them are silent now.
Britain was among Europe’s most progressive voices on climate policy. Its imminent withdrawal leaves the European Union grappling with voices of dissent from member states such as Poland.
The populist appeal of simplistic answers to complex solutions is a challenge for political leaders.There are times when expertise and experience must prevail over the popular mood of the moment.
Europe at the moment is divided into two stark responses to the EU – exit or remain. A third, better option would be to stay, but challenge and change it from within.
Professor of International Migration and Forced Displacement and Director of the Institute for Research into International Migration and Superdiversity, University of Birmingham