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At one time the American Dream was the ideal and envy of the world. But today, at the dawn of the new Millennium, Europe is pointing a new way to the future. In this major new book, best-selling author Jeremy
...(more) Rifkin argues that Europe has a vision of its own and is overtaking America as the world's next superpower. The American Dream was based on economic growth, personal wealth and independence. It was synonymous with love of country and patriotism, frontier mentality and the unbridled exercise of power. Yet what were once considered prime virtues - cherished and idealised not only in America but throughout the world - are increasingly seen by many as drawbacks and even impediments. But while the American Dream tires and languishes in the past, a new European Dream is being born. Today we see a new set of values emerging which are focused on sustainable development, quality of life and multilateralism. More cosmopolitan and less concerned with the brute exercise of power, the European Dream is better positioned to accommodate the many forces that are propelling us into a more interconnected and interdependent world. Where does Britain fit into this story? The British find themselves betwixt and between a fading American Dream and a newly emerging European Dream which is gaining the upper hand in our contemporary global age. Rifkin argues that Britain is uniquely positioned to play a bridge role between Europe and America and has the potential to help create a synergy between the two superpowers of the 21st century. But in order to exercise any real influence in world affairs, Britain must choose to be part of a larger political entity. In a globally connected world, no people can exist any longer as an island unto themselves. The only question for Britain is whether it will make its home with America or with Europe.(less)
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Today we see a new set of values emerging which are focused on sustainable development, quality of life and multilateralism. More cosmopolitan and less concerned with the brute exercise of power, the European Dream expounded by Rifkin is potentially better positioned to accomodate the many forces that are propelling us into a more interconnected and independent world.
I very sincerely hope and trust that Rifkin's new vision of humanity can bring together the seemingly contradictory forces of East and West which can be synthesized into a relationship conducive to the establishment of a transformative period in human history.
Albeit an American - resident in Washington DC - he believes that Europe is best positioned between the extreme individuation of the USA and the extreme collectivism of Asia to lead the way into the new age to the extent that the European vision - can incorporate the best qualities of the American and Asian ways of looking at the world - such that its dream will become an ideal for both East and West to aspire to.
I cannot overemphasise, however, that actions speak louder than words and in view of the 2030 Spike drivers urgent action is indeed required if we are to professionally prepare for this transformative period in human history