9/21/2006
Garton Ash: Free World
Timothy Garton Ash: Free World - America, Europe and the Surprising Future of the West
Paperback: 279 pages
Publisher: Random House 2005
ISBN: 1400062195
In spirit a manifesto for Euroatlantic unity, in form a concised history of an idea, Garton Ash's brilliant book Free World is a strong statement for American and European brotherhood.
After the Cold War, West lost its focus in believing that the 'end of history' had happened also in the realm of real life, not just on the level of political philosophy. It has become clear, through 9/11 and larger geopolitical developments, that democracy has not (yet) won.
To make the matters worse for freedom, US unilateralism in pushing for war in Iraq destroyed the Atlantic unity felt after the attacks on New York. Garton Ash feels that all can still be mended. Common sense says that advancement of freedom can not be done with military power, unilaterally. The community of democracies must therefore work better together - Gulliver has to stop to think and listen and Lilliputians must understand their responsibilities in fighting for freedom...
Free world can and must work together if it is to succeed.
Garton Ash writes with style, combining quotes from historical classics to his personal eye-witness accounts creating political travelogue that is as entertaining as informing.
Link: Free World Web ¶ 9/21/2006 12:53:00 ap.
Timothy Garton Ash: Free World - America, Europe and the Surprising Future of the WestPaperback: 279 pages
Publisher: Random House 2005
ISBN: 1400062195
In spirit a manifesto for Euroatlantic unity, in form a concised history of an idea, Garton Ash's brilliant book Free World is a strong statement for American and European brotherhood.
After the Cold War, West lost its focus in believing that the 'end of history' had happened also in the realm of real life, not just on the level of political philosophy. It has become clear, through 9/11 and larger geopolitical developments, that democracy has not (yet) won.
To make the matters worse for freedom, US unilateralism in pushing for war in Iraq destroyed the Atlantic unity felt after the attacks on New York. Garton Ash feels that all can still be mended. Common sense says that advancement of freedom can not be done with military power, unilaterally. The community of democracies must therefore work better together - Gulliver has to stop to think and listen and Lilliputians must understand their responsibilities in fighting for freedom...
Free world can and must work together if it is to succeed.
Garton Ash writes with style, combining quotes from historical classics to his personal eye-witness accounts creating political travelogue that is as entertaining as informing.
Link: Free World Web ¶ 9/21/2006 12:53:00 ap.
