Boris Johnson draws parallels between the Roman Empire and the European Union, suggesting similarities in their attempts to unify diverse territories and create economic and political cohesion.
In a recent exploration, Boris Johnson examines the legacy of the Roman Empire and its relevance to modern Europe, particularly the European Union (EU). He argues that the EU can be seen as a successor to the Roman Empire, striving to unite a vast and diverse region in a manner reminiscent of the Romans. Johnson highlights how the Romans successfully created a cohesive civilization that permitted long-lasting governance, drawing insights that could be applicable to contemporary political challenges in the EU.
Johnson notes that while the Roman Empire achieved integration through conquest, the modern European project operates without bloodshed, favoring diplomacy and economic incentives to promote unity. He emphasizes that today’s Europe employs trade as a lure for integration, which is an innovative approach compared to the imperial model of the past. Furthermore, he points out the necessity for a qualified majority in the decision-making process of the EU Council to facilitate agreements, highlighting the complexities of achieving consensus among its member states.
The implications of Johnson’s analysis suggest that while the EU aspires to emulate the administrative successes of the Roman Empire, it must navigate the challenges of modernity, including diversity and political fragmentation. Learning from the past, he posits, could be essential for the EU to foster stronger cohesion and pave the way for a more unified Europe free from the conflicts that marked the empire’s expansion.
