Europe Endless
Czech president Václav Klaus’s arm finally being twisted into signing it, the Treaty of Lisbon came into force today. I’m still not completely sure what all is contained within that treaty but I know it furthers the EU’s mission of European integration. Culturally, economically, spiritually, politically… Europe is far more integrated than any other continent on Earth. And with the possible exception of South America, no other continent will ever come close.
North America’s problem is obvious: the U.S. is far too dominant in every sphere. Sure Germany’s 80 million people towers over Luxembourg’s 500,000 but there are plenty of other states in between. A similar problem exists in Asia with Red China (population, land mass, economy, military), Japan (economy) and India (population, land mass). Not to mention a whole lot of countries in Asia outright hate each other. Sure Switzerland is stuck up and Russia’s real smug but that doesn’t compare to the animosity between India and Pakistan or Israel and everybody. Human rights are also abominable in Asia with Japan and Israel-proper being the only states really up to snuff.
Africa already has the African Union but I’m still not clear as to it’s actual purpose. I mean they’ve had a few missions in Darfur and Somalia but for the most part it’s been too little too late. Not to mention shady characters like Mugabe and Gaddafi are still hailed as heroes. And the goals of the different countries can be so, well, different. It would appear a disdain for colonialism is not enough to base a regional integration-based intergovernmental organization on.
Australia’s already united. And it dominates that “continent” known as Oceania.
South America’s the most promising with Unasur, just so long as crazy man Chávez doesn’t hijack it for his personal whims. I really wish Canada could get in on that but I know our policy on abortion (or lack thereof) has been a roadblock in past discussions with Latin American nations.