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How Europe Became Irrelevant
Hard Power or Irrelevance?
For centuries, Europe stood as the epicenter of global power. From the colonial empires of the 18th and 19th centuries to its pivotal role in shaping the post-World War II global order, the continent was synonymous with influence, innovation, and leadership. However, in the 21st century, Europe has found itself increasingly sidelined in the corridors of global power. Despite being one of the wealthiest regions in the world, Europe’s lack of unified hard power, its overreliance on soft power, and its strategic dependence on external actors have eroded its relevance on the global stage.
The war in Ukraine, the rise of authoritarian powers like Russia and China, and the growing dominance of the United States in global decision-making have exposed the structural weaknesses of Europe’s geopolitical strategy. This article explores how Europe lost its geopolitical relevance, the missed opportunities to assert its power, and what the implications are for the continent’s future.
The Decline of European Agency
At the heart of Europe’s waning global influence is its inability to act decisively in matters of critical importance. A recent example of this is the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite the conflict being in Europe’s backyard and directly threatening its…
