Using Global Studies: Europe
Selected World Wide Web Sites
U.S. Statistics and Map
Canada Statistics and Map
World MapEurope MapEurope: Centuries of Commonalities and ConflictAn “Expanding” EuropeCountry Reports
Austria (Republic of Austria)
Belgium (Kingdom of Belgium)
Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus)
Denmark (Kingdom of Denmark)
Finland (Republic of Finland)
France (French Republic)
Germany (Federal Republic of Germany)
Greece (Hellenic Republic)
Iceland (Republic of Iceland)
Ireland (Eire)
Italy (Italian Republic)
Luxembourg (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg)
Malta (Republic of Malta)
The Netherlands (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Norway (Kingdom of Norway)
Portugal (Portuguese Republic)
Spain (Kingdom of Spain)
Sweden (Kingdom of Sweden)
Switzerland (Swiss Confederation)
United Kingdom (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)The European Mini-States
Andorra (Principality of Andorra); Liechtenstein (Principality of Liechtenstein); Monaco (Principality of Monaco); San Marino (Republic of San Marino); The Holy See (State of the Vatican City) Articles from the World Press1. The History of an Idea, The Economist, December 2003
The history of the idea of united Europe can be traced back to the Roman Empire. The Romans have inspired despots, such as Charlemagne, Napoleon, and Hitler, as well as modern democrats who hope that the EU evolves into a great and peaceable world power. 2. A Too Perfect Union? Why Europe Said “No”, Andrew Moravcsik, Current History, November 2005
The EU constitution failed over style and symbolism rather than substance. However, the EU has a stable constitutional settlement without an idealistic document. Those who see a “democratic deficit” misunderstand the EU’s system of pluralistic multi-level governance.3. Four Ds for Europe, John Peet, The Economist, March 2007
The gap between the EU as an elite project and average citizens can no longer be ignored. In response, there should be more concentration on policy delivery, enhanced ministerial accountability to national parliaments, a 21st century “narrative,” and
multi-speed arrangements to accommodate diversity. 4. A New Road Map for Europe, Dan Bilefsky and Stephen Castle, International Herald Tribune, June 2007
European leaders have agreed upon the outline for a
new reform treaty. Although the final draft is likely to be marked by messy compromises, their accord gives the EU a chance to move ahead on problems that concern average citizens. 5. EU Strikes Deal to Lead on Climate Change, Dan Bilefsky, International Herald Tribune, March 2007
European leaders have reached a compromise
agreement on greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy development that would make the EU a model for the rest of the world. However, the agreement must overcome difficult obstacles to be translated into reality. 6. The Art of Adaptation: Globalization and the European Model, Barry Eichengreen, Current History, December 2006
Europe’s challenge is to preserve its core values while adapting to surging technological change and global competition. Major reforms are necessary, but resistance to change remains considerable. 7. For Europe, a Moment to Ponder, Roger Cohen, The New York Times, March 25, 2007
As the EU celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding treaty, it struggled with a deep crisis, partly of identity and partly of procedure. Nevertheless, the EU’s achievements have been historic, such as the transformation of Spain. And Poland is likely to become “the new Spain.” 8. Central European Democracies Hang Tough, Michael J. Jordan, The Christian Science Monitor, October 18, 2006
A lot of differences have reemerged in Central European countries after their push to qualify for EU membership. Although politics is now a more “bare-knuckles affair,” democracy is not threatened. 9. Out of the Darkness, Kevin Sullivan, The Washington Post, March 2006
Although many Romanian traditions will have to change, the people overall have viewed EU entry as a historic turning point toward a better standard of living. However, corruption and ethnic discrimination remain deeply rooted in Romania. 10. Europe’s Last Dictatorship, Nick Paton Walsh, The Guardian, March 2006
The Soviet system lives on in Belarus where President Lukashenko’s regime
controls the economy, manipulates elections, and cracks down on the opposition. Europe’s last dictatorship is marked by brutality and absurdity. 11. Innovation Gives Finland a Firm Grasp on Its Future, Robert G. Kaiser, The Washington Post, July 2005
Over the last generation Finland has largely reinvented itself. Its leaders are committed to providing the resources and the institutions to keep Finland out front intellectually and technologically. The author concludes that the biggest difference with other countries is the Finns’ willingness to change. 12. The Gaullist Revolutionary, The Economist, May 2007
Voters have given Sarkozy a mandate to get France moving again. As president he will diverge from
Chirac in style and substance. Sarkozy, known for his hyperactivity, will push a series of tough economic reforms, which are guaranteed to produce political turbulence. 13. France’s Sarkozy Off to a Running Start, Molly Moore, The Washington Post, August 4, 2007
Sarkozy as the "hyper-president" has put himself at the
center of everything. He has sought to bring a more populist touch to the French presidency and has scored early successes in parliament and in the opinion polls. 14. Merkel’s Magic, The Economist, June 2007
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s skill in finding consensus at international summits has increased her popularity. However, the grand coalition through which she governs confronts obstacles that challenge her domestic policy leadership. 15. Demagogues, Communists, and Germany’s New Left-wing Heavyweight, Charles Hawley, Spiegel Online, June 2007
Former East German communists and disgruntled western Social Democrats have officially merged as the Left Party. Their alliance grew out of protests against former SPD Chancellor Schröder’s social benefit cuts and military intervention in Afghanistan. The Left Party is likely to complicate life for the established parties. 16. Ireland Unleashed, Joseph A. Harriss, Smithsonian, March 2005
Since the late 1980’s Ireland has been transformed from an agricultural to a high-tech economy. The author describes the many changes that prosperity has brought to everyday life. But can “Irishness” survive in a globalized Ireland? 17. By Hook or By Crook, The Economist, June 2007
Despite secular social trends, church leaders and their parliamentary allies have scored major legislative battles in recent months. The center-left government is vulnerable to small rebellions of traditional Catholics within its coalition while the center-right opposition finds unity in agreeing with church leaders. 18. Changing Patterns in Social Fabric Test Netherlands’ Liberal Identity, Molly Moore, The Washington Post, June 2007
Anxieties about immigration, international crime as well as dismay over the Netherlands’ image as a tourist destination for drugs and sex have lead to a rethinking of social liberties among Dutch politicians and citizens. The rising orthodox Christian Union party seeks to reset norms of accepted behavior. 19. Now That He’s Gone, The Economist, June 30, 2007
Gordon Brown and David Cameron are disputing the “Blair legacy.” This article assesses the strengths and weaknesses of both party leaders. Although it concludes that neither has the feel for England’s “upperly mobile floating voters,” Brown is viewed as having the edge in the next general election. 20. Britain’s New Prime Minister Set on Putting “B” Back in British, Mark Rice-Oxley, The Christian Science Monitor, June 2007
Gordon Brown is likely to be a more traditional British prime minister than Tony Blair. Brown favors cabinet and parliamentary government, puts policy ahead of presentation, and emphasizes a British identity based on the values of liberty, civic duty, and fairness.
