2006-12-06T14:54:37Z https://www.taurillon.org/Pick-your-favorite-federalism#comment1602 2006-12-06T14:54:37Z

<p>I agree with the origins of the federalism. And I also agree that countries like Belgium (also it worked as a unitary state until 1993) and India have to be federal. The discussion between « coming together » and « holding together » federalism (Stepan) should not be simplified, for it might lead to misinterpretation. I also agree with the argument, that federalism is « what states make of it » to quote Alexander Wendt. It might be a centralised federal state a la Austria or it might be a decentralised loose union a la EU.</p> <p>to discuss the future role of the EU's foreign policy seems to me a different topic and not really compatible with the theoretical discussion of federal origins. Maybe we should make the move to discuss the federalisation of Europe in the context of Carl Friedrich. this seems to me a step not taken, which might lead to important ideas about a future European Union.</p>

2006-11-17T14:56:30Z https://www.taurillon.org/Pick-your-favorite-federalism#comment1461 2006-11-17T14:56:30Z

<p>I agree with most of what Lutz raises in his article, however I do feel the need to clarify one major phrase which can be misunderstood quite easily, namely : « ...we would need a radically more powerful European government with the authority to go to war and have the means to it... »</p> <p>I don't see Europe in the future as a continent building up on arms or trying to catch up to the US military-wise. And I don't see Europe leaving NATO or rendering it useless due to the ever closer military cooperation between its nation states. And I don't want to see Europe staging wars to secure energy or other resources in other parts of the world by force for fictitious reasons. Neither do I see a Europe going to wars but rather defending itself from imminent threats, securing peace in major conflict areas and supporting war-ridden states and provinces in nation-building efforts.</p> <p>I see Europe as a peaceful, prosperous and democratic federation that promotes peace and disarmament throughout the world, fostering the rule of law and respecting human rights.</p> <p>And I hope that that's also what Lutz meant.</p>