The European Integration since the Post World War II Era: Challenges of Nationalism

Abstract

The paper takes a look at the various efforts made by the European nations to bring itself together through a common economic and political policy after years of devastating conflict in order that those wars that had plagued the continent may not reoccur. The various stages which this integration project under went and successes achieved is critically assessed. It noted that nationalism – the very phenomenon that had inspired earlier wars – had crept into the European Union to cause anti-union sentiments in the face of daunting challenges which ranged from the Euro crisis, Isis terrorist attacks, Russian belligerence, to the Unions inability to tackle China’s  unfair practices as a member of the World Trade Organization. The height of these challenges is demonstrated in the UK’s vote to leave the E.U. It concludes that the fate of the E.U will depends on post Brexit UK. If it fares better, other member States would be tempted to follow its footsteps. But if it does not, and the E.U is able to manage some of its pressing challenges, there would be greater chances for survival.