A reader from Lisbon asks why the European Union is unfairly criticized for its federal structure while the United States has long operated as a successful federation. The question highlights the double standard: if it is wrong for European countries to unite, why is it right for US states to do so? The reader points out that the US benefits from a single currency, unified military, and no internal borders, while the EU is often attacked for similar integration.
Historical Context and Differences
Many respondents argue that history is key. John_Brown1955 notes that the US achieved its power as a union, with no nostalgic past for states to return to, unlike Europe where nationalism has caused wars. Dr Peter Davis adds that European wars stemmed from nationalism, while US unity was forged through conflict with Indigenous peoples and slavery, culminating in a civil war that settled the question of secession.
Carnthebombers emphasizes that the US Civil War decisively answered whether states could leave: the North won, establishing that the union is perpetual. In contrast, the EU is newer and its members have centuries of independent history, making change more feasible and frightening.
Language and Cultural Unity
Language is another major factor. jno50 states that English unites the US but divides the EU. scobie27 notes that while the US had a significant German-speaking minority early on, they voted for a single language, fostering unity. In Europe, multiple languages preserve cultural diversity but hinder integration.
GrasmereGardens compares the EU and US as “apples with elephants,” noting that Europe’s nations evolved over millennia with frequent wars, while the US built a modern identity on an “empty” continent.
Democracy and Power Dynamics
Chris Zisimides criticizes the EU as fundamentally undemocratic, claiming its political union was hidden behind a “common market” ploy, and that the EU president is elected by 700 council members rather than by popular vote. In contrast, the US president is elected by voters of all 50 states.
anda_skoa suggests that forces trying to break up the EU are also targeting the US, but more covertly, including state actors like Russia and tech billionaires who prefer smaller political units.
Secession Movements and Modern Threats
Several readers note that secessionist movements exist in the US, such as in California and Texas, but kingscrosscowboy dismisses “Calexit” as Russian meddling. fantod adds that the US was only truly unified during World War II.
CharlieApples points out that many efforts to break up the EU originate from the US, while no equivalent EU efforts target the US, suggesting relative levels of malice.
Integration Levels and Future Prospects
Jebedee argues that integration is not binary: the US has one level, the EU another, with different trade-offs. The EU is less integrated, but people may favor different levels based on circumstances. ErasmusVanBaltimore hopes the UK will rejoin the EU and even consider associate membership for Canada.
AnneinMaryland expresses gratitude for the EU, noting it has brought the longest period of peace in Europe since the Roman Empire, despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
