A quick observation of Europe (try The New European for well-written insights) shows that most of those countries that flirt with the far-right and give them power find that the bubble bursts pretty quickly.
Populism has no route to peaceful coexistence with neighbours. It has to be borders and monocultures. Tim Marshall’s ‘Prisoners of Geography’ explains clearly why an area of land with many mountains and rivers (such as Europe) will tend to evolve with many disparate tribes. Conquering Empires don’t bring lasting peace. Trade and political compromise do.
If, as we expect, the UK moves back into the centre, or maybe centre-left, after this election the cause of peace in Europe will be advanced. But in the absence of a centre-right the next ten years might be dangerous.
If, as we expect, the UK moves back into the centre, or maybe centre-left, after this election the cause of peace in Europe will be advanced. But in the absence of a centre-right the next ten years might be dangerous.
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