European Dis-union
"Is it possible that a union, that is not past the point of no return, could start unraveling?"
– Charles Kupchan, Professor of International Affairs in the School of Foreign Service and Government Department at Georgetown University
The financial crisis in Europe has raised a question that seemed unthinkable a few years ago. The modern EU evolved from a union born in 1951 to ensure that Europe would never again experience the horrors of war. And in that regard, the European Union has been an unmitigated success.
"There's something like a narrative of Europe that's been lost. So the whole narrative was about peace, reconciliation. That is done and achieved. But achievements don't sell."
– Ulrike Güerot, head of the Berlin office of the European Council on Foreign Relations
And with financial turmoil plunging European states into panic, and dividing the continent on who is to blame, the EU, America’s main partner in the world, is in search of a new narrative.
Executive Producer: Aaron Lobel / AAM Producers: Monica Bushman, Sean Carberry, Jordana Gustafson, Matt Ozug, and Chris Williams / Interns: Ethan Chiel, Mallory Durr, and Brendan Maaghul / Web Producer: Javier Barrera / Photo: Jesse Garcia / Host: Jacki Lyden
+ Field Report From Germany
Jordana Gustafson reports from Germany, long the economic engine of the EU, where citizens are losing trust in the European Union, and political leaders are struggling counter the discontent.
Story Transcript: Field Report from Germany.pdf
+ History Of The European Union
Jacki Lyden explores the history of the European Union, and how integration brought the continent from devastating conflict to unprecedented cooperation.
Story Transcript: History of the EU.pdf
+ Eurovision
Jacki Lyden speaks with Professor Neil Johnson of the University of Miami about Eurovision, the immensely popular annual song competition, and what it reveals about how diverse and sometimes divided Europe can be.
Story Transcript: Eurovision.pdf
+ Field Report From Poland
Matt Ozug travels to Poland to examine the high level of public support for European Union membership in one of the EU’s newest member states.
Story Transcript: Field Report from Poland.pdf