Joseph Stiglitz argues that, despite all the flaws, the European Union represents a tremendous success story that could serve as a model of democracy, human rights, sustainable prosperity with social justice, and peaceful conflict resolution for other societies to follow:
Project Syndicate: Europe's Success Points the Way to Better World
. . . the European project has been an enormous success, not only for Europe, but also for the world. . . .
. . . the driving motivation of the EU's founders was long-lasting peace. Economic integration, it was hoped, would lead to greater understanding, underpinned by the myriad interactions that inevitably flow from commerce. Increased interdependence would make conflict unthinkable.
The EU has realized that dream. Nowhere in the world do neighbors live together more peacefully, and people move more freely and with greater security, than in Europe, owing in part to a new European identity that is not bound to national citizenship.
This stands as an example that the world should emulate - one of shared rights and responsibilities, including the obligation to help the less fortunate. . . .
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