David with the head of Goliath, by Caravaggio
Most nations in Europe are a part of NATO, the North-Atlantic Treaty Organization. This defensive alliance was founded as a response to the Soviet Union expanding its sphere of influence over Eastern Europe after the defeat of Nazism at the end of World War 2. It was back then, and has always been, spearheaded by the United States.
However, how much longer should we expect that status quo to last?
Napoleon Crossing the Alps, by Jacques-Louis David
To understand war in Europe, we must understand geography in Europe. One of the primary aspects of European geography is the great north European plain. The plain stretches from southern France, just north of the Pyrenees, to the Ural mountains in Russia. The plain has no good natural borders, leading to constant warfare and changing borders.
Apart from seas, oceans and mountains; there is one more reasonable natural border. Rivers. However, it only works if it is a major river that is difficult to cross due to its width, and covers a border long enough with its length. Within Europe, you will see the Rhine and Danube act as natural borders between the nation-states.
Echo and Narcissus, by John William Waterhouse
At one point in time, European nations ruled almost the entire world. Europe was and is mighty, powerful and influential. Although Europe’s history over the past centuries knows a lot of ‘grandeur’, how grand is the territory that it consists of?
The most common type of map is the Mercator depiction. Due to the earth being a globe and maps being a two-dimensional representation, it is not easy to get the dimensions right. The Mercator projection results in an over representation of areas near the poles. At the same time, areas around the equator look relatively small.
The Tower Guard, by Carel Fabritius
Overwhelmed by the amount of migrants arriving into Europe – and perhaps even more by the outcry of native Europeans – the EU decided to cut a deal with Turkey. They give money to Turkey, and in return Turkey will attempt to limit the flow of migrants across its territory. However, the extortionate amount demanded by Turkey exemplifies the panic the EU was feeling. With its populace outraged and the eastern European members nearly revolting against the rulers in Brussels, they knew action was needed right now. Europe needs to turn more into a fortress.
Massace of the Mamluks, by Horace Vernet
A state on the Mediterranean, an ancient state with a long history. People think of pharaohs and pyramids. Distant lands, desert, the Nile and sun. The current ideological struggle between the West and Islam gives many the idea that Egypt has no place in Europe. Or, in the European Union. Besides, it is not even in the geographical area that we call Europe. Egypt is, quite clearly, located on the African continent.
However, none of that is a barrier to Egypt integrating closer with the European Union. On the contrary, the EU is the most interesting regional power.
Hunter’s Home, by Henry Voordecker
Europe has been going through a turbulent time lately with regards to its demographics. The European governments are very enthusiastic about the multi-cultural society. As they claim ”diversity is our strength”. Generally, anyone disagreeing with that statement is silenced by name-calling. You are xenophobic and racist.
The flows of migration are permanently and drastically impacting Europe, but how do Europeans feel about that?
![The Fishery, by Richard Wright (Before pulse fishing]](https://i1.wp.com/clovisinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1280px-Richard_Wright_-_The_Fishery_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg?resize=300%2C198)
The Fishery, by Richard Wright
During the religious tensions in the 17th Century France made sure the father of the steam-engine had to leave the country. In 2018 the French government yet again chased away a potential successful industrial development. As a consequence of the recent EU ban of electric pulse fishing years of research is being destroyed. More importantly, it shows a fundamental problem pertaining to the EU itself.
The EU remains a state in search of a people. It however remains a community of nations that are being represented by special interests on the EU level. These special interests take care of themselves in the name of everyone else. This has primarily to do with the nature of the European continent itself and secondarily with one of the founding thoughts of the EU itself.
Zonnebeke, by William Orpen
Europe faced two dreadful wars in the 20th century. From 1914 to 1918 the First World War ravaged the continent. Or, as it was known back then, the Great War. After the war, borders are changed and we see a new Europe. In 1939 the Second World War starts. It continues up to 1945. Most countries continue to celebrate the day of their country’s liberation.
In both cases, those in power found a solution. The victors draw new borders on the map. Borders that have something different about them. The borders follow cultural groups. The peoples of Europe are given their own countries. Why did this happen? Clearly, the idea was that this would help maintain the peace. And it was a great idea, but unfortunately some details had been forgotten.
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