Dissertation: It's not altruism

"To achieve this, we must accept our economy needs reform to compete, our European defence capacity is nowhere near sufficient; we do not yet wield the influence in global issues that we should."

- Prime Minister's speech: The new challenge for Europe (20/05/99)
(bolding mine)


This is why I’m a raving federalist.


Additionally:
"In all these areas I am suggesting Europe gets greater cohesion, strength and influence and uses it. In some areas, it will need greater integration. But it is for a purpose. To serve our own interests, by building up the European Union in order for us to engage with the outside world."

Blair had better not be capable of writing his own speeches. I much prefer feeling positively fanboy-ish towards some nameless, faceless speechwriter.

*fans self with dissertation notes*

Yes, International Theory does have that effect on me.

The theory of nationalism

"Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart
My land's only borders lie around my heart"

- B. Andersson & B. Ulvaeus "Anthem"


Who’d have thought it? That’s nationalism in a nutshell really.
Marvellous.

Though to be ever so slightly less facetious about it, at the end of the day if you ask the question of what constitutes a nation you really can’t pin it down. A nation is a nation because they believe that they are and that’s about it.