The European Dream Summary and Reviews

The European Dream
by Jeremy Rifkin

The European Dream
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Book Summary Information

Author: Jeremy Rifkin
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-08-19
ISBN: 1585423459
Number of pages: 448
Publisher: Tarcher

Book Reviews of The European Dream

Book Review: A Bastion of Hope
Summary: 5 Stars

This is one of the most influential books that I have ever read. Rifkin does an excellent job of explaining how and why Europeans are different than Americans. For example Rifkin states that Americans are focused on individual rights and the accumulation of property, whereas Europeans emphasize community rights, and the importance of access.

The emphasis of access over property transcends into the business and politcal worlds. Rifkin states that the development of a network economy, where connections and relationships prevail, is replacing a strictly capitalistic economy, where accumulation of capital is the key to success. The European Union has developed because Europeans realize that the future is not with the strong sovereign states that have dominated for the last three-hundred years, but with supranational governments that gives a people access to broader markets and social institutions.

Rifkin also discusses how the governance of the European Union has evolved. I was surprised to learn about how the European Union is going out of its way to preserve the cultural integrity (e.g., languages) of its members, and through its Committee on the Regions, is actually increasing the importance of sub-national regions (e.g., Bavaria, Wales, Normandy). I formerly was lukewarm on the EU, believing that it would cause the amalgamation of European cultures. Under a process known as neo-medievalism, the future EU might consist of hundreds of little states in a federal style government.

There are a few parts of the books that somewhat philosophical and may be difficult to read, but I strongly recommend this book to all readers, especially Americans. I believe that current situation in Europe is very similar to the conditions in the United States in the 1780's when the American democracy with its Bill of Rights was being established. Revolutionary ideas, such as the voluntary renunciation of sovereignty, and paramount position of human rights are making Europe the New World (versus the Old World United States). This book gives me great hope for the future.

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