1. "The basic problem as I see it is that if political outruns cultural unity then the point of the state tends to become the state."
Agreed. This dynamic is working in reverse in the United States. A one-time cultural unity is dissolving, leaving only the state as a focus of union.
2. "The Roman Empire had the advantage that the Romans mostly believed in leaving things alone that seemed to be working ok."
I think we both agree the EU will not "leave things alone." Quite the contrary; they will impose a uniformity from above. I suspect the EU has no respect for Europe and its constituent parts as it is, but is determined to make a "New Europe," from above.
Leaving things alone was certainly a positive attribute of the Romans, but then they had the confidence and good sense to do so. Of course, both parties (the Romans and the subjugated area or people) knew the consquences of rebellion. The Romans were prepared to guarantee their rule with brutality, if necessary.
1. “The basic problem as
1. "The basic problem as I see it is that if political outruns cultural unity then the point of the state tends to become the state."
Agreed. This dynamic is working in reverse in the United States. A one-time cultural unity is dissolving, leaving only the state as a focus of union.
2. "The Roman Empire had the advantage that the Romans mostly believed in leaving things alone that seemed to be working ok."
I think we both agree the EU will not "leave things alone." Quite the contrary; they will impose a uniformity from above. I suspect the EU has no respect for Europe and its constituent parts as it is, but is determined to make a "New Europe," from above.
Leaving things alone was certainly a positive attribute of the Romans, but then they had the confidence and good sense to do so. Of course, both parties (the Romans and the subjugated area or people) knew the consquences of rebellion. The Romans were prepared to guarantee their rule with brutality, if necessary.