Post-National Europe versus the rise of nationalism in the United States of America

Tony Judt provides an interesting and in-depth account of the post-national movement that swept over a Europe left dismantled in the wake of two world wars--wars that saw the rise of rulers blinded by nationalistic desires and were absent of an idea of an allegiance to a collective group of states titled Europe.  Rather, ruling parties and dictators sought to extend their power at the cost of other nations and the people of the continent--most notably a loss represented by the millions of human lives lost and widespread destruction of infrastructure.  Judt ingeniously and very early in the book asserts that "Europe's recovery was a 'miracle'.  'Post-national' Europe had learned the bitter lessons of recent history. An irenic, pacific continent had risen, 'Phoenix-like' from the ashes of its murderous--suicidal past".  He continues by stating that his account of post-war Europe is "a history of Europe's reduction" with states that "no longer aspire...to international or imperial status" and similarly Europe saw "the withering away of the 'master narratives' of european history".  In the end, "a modest substitute for the defunct ambitions of Europe's ideological past, there emerged belatedly...the 'European Model'. In what I found to be the most interesting chapters in the book, "Europe as a Way of Life", Judt provides an even deeper assessment of the birth of the "European Identity" from high culture to views on security issues.  I think that Milan captures the idea of the "European Identity" when he stated in his last post "..in order for Europe to survive it not only had to unite, but that each country within Europe had to develop a sense of allegiance to that state without losing its primary allegiance to Europe." The necessity of a collectivity for political, security, and economic survival gave birth to the creation of an even greater "European Identity"--an idea that is a continual project filled with the tension and balancing.

In order to further define the "European Identity", Judt relies heavily on differentiating Europe from the United States of America.  Comparing views on culture, political and military issues including the "tactless unilateralism" employed by the US, Judt reveals large differences between Europe and the United States.  While Europe sought to lift itself from the rubble and destruction left from the two world wars, the United States of America solidified its movement towards hegemony.  It is interesting to compare the post-national movement of Europe to what appears to be an indisputable rise of nationalism in America--a deep sense of patriotism that was reflected in its cultural identity and politics.  I have found the growing differences and approaches to security issues to be the most interesting topics of our day.  While Europe is a shining example of the effectiveness of soft power, America has adopted a nearly relentless unilateral strategy founded in blinded ideology.  

I am left questioning the result the Iraq War and the greater "War on Terror" will have on the United States as a whole.  Perhaps our current image after our rise to 'stardom' that gave way to uncompromising military actions, failed diplomacy, and a certain resentment for American culture will change greatly.  The evolution and devolution of the very distinct "American" and "European identity" are issues that are very pertinent to our day and topics I find truly fascinating.