Clif CleavelandThe United States and democracies in Europe face complex challenges that have polarized citizens and upset traditional politics. Simple solutions are offered by opposing factions. No middle ground seems to exist between them.
Consider the United Kingdom of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which currently is locked in a fierce campaign that will determine whether the nation will remain in the European Union. The vote will take place on June 23. The issues mirror those of the U.S. presidential race.
Today’s European Union evolved from multi-national trade agreements following World War II. In addition to facilitating the movement of goods and services among nations, members hoped the trade agreements would lessen the risk of armed conflict.
In 1973, the U.K. joined the European Economic Community, the precursor to the European Union. In 1993, a treaty formalized today’s EU, which includes 28 nations and 508 million people. The EU accounts for an estimated 24 percent of the world’s gross domestic product. A parliament and various commissions formulate policy and trade agreements; a court of justice mediates disputes.
From the outset, disputes have persisted over how much sovereignty an individual member state is willing to cede to the EU.