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The EU and Israel: Radically Different Worldviews

(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Interview with Yehezkel Dror - There is a radical difference in basic culture between the EU and Israel. The EU is a new, unprecedented type of entity unless one goes back to the Roman or Holy Roman Empire. It eludes the ideas of nationalism, cultural uniqueness, and separate states. This results from two devastating wars that ruined Europe's culture. European governments focus on their citizens' welfare while neglecting security risks. Europe is busy with current issues and therefore cannot devote adequate attention to the long-term future. Israel, on the other hand, is a country based on an ideology. It is faced by multiple enemies, many of which wish - or at least dream - to eliminate it. Israel is situated between Europe and the Islamic world. The former is currently peaceful, though starting to face up to the new external terrorism. The latter is in turbulent transformation with much violence. Yehezkel Dror is professor of political science (emeritus) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who held senior advisory positions in the offices of Israel's prime minister and defense minister.
2006-04-07 00:00:00
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