Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Zackback]

Not a question of "if" but simply when.
It is going to happen.

http://news.yahoo.com/former-german-leader-calls-united-states-europe-152550361.html

[young_clinton]

Look who's calling it. I don't think any country in Europe is going to give up its soveriegnity period, ever.

[UknowsI]

This is a horrible idea. They couldn't even make the EU work, so they think it will be less friction with a common government? Every country will try to pass laws in their best interest and it will end up as a bureaucratic nightmare.

[aq8knyus]

I really do hope this happens.

However, I am sceptical as a full transfer from nation state to super state would take such a shift in public opinion in the big three that it is unlikely.

Also I dont think it is even needed, in its current state the EU can already enact legislation that can override national law, in defence integration is increasing rapidly and the freedom of movement of peopel and goods within the EU area means that its as easy for a European to move to another country as it is for an American to move between states.

The big problem is language, not so much for business but for fostering the idea of a Pan-European identity. Whilst on paper I as a Brit can move to Poland with little trouble the fact that I cannot speak Polish limits what I can do there.

[niceguysfinishlast]

I don't see this happening.

[visitorq]

[Louis VI]

Germany continues to want to rule the world, one way or another.

[weso1]

The EU was created in the first place to organize the medium and medium-large economies of the continent to balance out the US. In a way, it has succeeded. The EU is the worlds largest economy, surpassing the US.

However, the major issue with the currency is that there is a central government that produces the currency alone (like the US) but, each country is allowed it's own financial agenda and can spend/save however they feel. This is a more "fiscally liberal" approach than the US has with it's states. States are bound by certain restrictions. Most have to balance their budgets annually. Second, they do receive extra income from the federal government, but it gets book marked for public programs like teachers, police, etc. Last, much of the infrastructure that is built or paid for comes from the fed. The state has less freedom on what and where to spend, but they also have more things get paid for for them by the central government.

The finance ministers of France, Italy, and Germany have recognized this flaw. And should the EU and the Euro survive the decade, stricter financial management policies will be put into place.

In the future there will be 6 or 7 great economies that will encompass 99% of the world (allowing for outliers in Africa.)

1. The North American Union/Economy. The combined worth of the US, Canada, and Mexico will be either the richest or top 3 richest. The US will still remain the richest single country, even if it's local economic group isn't.

2. The EU - See explanation above.

3. The North Asian Union - China, unified Korea, and Japan will most likely be the largest economic union in the world.

4. The Union of South American Nations - Already exists. About half a decade behind the EU. Defense agreements in place, infrastructure projects under way, free immigration in the pipeline, and common currency in the future. The USAN will be the "biggest of the smaller unions."

5. The African Union - Already exits, but stalled. Sub-Sahara is consistently being exploited for resources. China has big investments there. Give then another quarter or half century, will see something along the lines of ASEAN - a group of small economies that can have medium effect when acting together.

6. The ASEAN - already exists, performing better beyond all expectations.

7. Perhaps a "Southern Pacific Union" of Aus and NZ, but could be coupled with the ASEAN if they continue to show the promise they have. *Side note, it will be the success of ASEAN and possible addition of Aus and NZ into that union or a union of their own that will galvanize the North Asian Union.


Historically, this is the way of the world. At one time we were all separate tribes just miles from each other that used totally different currencies and laws. Then came city-states. Then nations. Soon large unions. Eventually a global community. Governed by a central government and using a single global currency. I, happily, look forward to that day.

[Juregen]

[mmstyle]

weso1, you've left out BRIC, which already a force to be reckoned with, and some of the only countries experiencing real growth right now. It definitely breaks up your more geographically defined idea.

[visitorq]

[Mix1]

[weso1]

[weso1]

[pkang0202]

I see a parallel with the EU and the Articles of Confederacy in the US.

Back then, Americans identified themselves with the Colony/State they were from. With the US Constitution, time, and the US Civil War, you have the USA today, where most people would identify themselves as an American more strongly than the State which they live.


There are big differences between the 2 cases. European countries have a LONG history, and the people still harbor deep emotions from the past. French and the English don't think too highly of each other. I'm sure the Polish aren't the biggest fans of Germans.

A stronger, more united EU would be better for the continent. However, I don't foresee Europeans giving up their national identities. Not unless some catastrophic event occurs which give them no choice but to band together.