engleski

TRUST AND RESPECT: FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

The new century gives the members of the European and Euro-Atlantic communities the opportunity to develop a new era of trust and respect. The 20th century was a time of two World wars and almost 5 decades of oppressive Soviet Communist domination of the states and countries in Eastern and Central Europe. The states of the former Yugoslavia witnessed it’s own brand and oppressive communist domination. Now free and independent, all these states are integrating with emphasis on core values of democracy, human rights and justice for all. In the desire to accomplish their goals, equal attention should be given to the culture, traditions and history of these new sovereign states. Only a few years ago these states were dominated. They are understandably sensitive to the heavy handed style of advice. Our method of collaborating with them must include respect for their traditions and sensitivity to their history. The United States as the world’s significant power must be careful to respect the cultures of the smaller new sovereign members of the European community. We know that following World War II both Winston Churchill and Charles De Gaulle reminded the United States that in the European Recovery program there were British and French traditions that they wished to retain. Integration that respects the mosaic of differing cultures and that is sensitive to histories will foster trust and respect in the relationship between the smaller states and the major powers. In trying to influence change, every effort should be exercised to avoid giving the impression of being steamroller. The 21st century offers an opportunity for people-as-people to play a more significant role in the integrating process. Great geographic distance has ended. Travel is easier and less expensive. Communication is instant. The people of the new states and the west are practically next-door neighbors. There should be grater educational, cultural and spiritual relationships among us. This should be a goal of our governments. The new century should witness a time of openness to one another, a learning period of appreciation for the varying cultures and historical experiences. When situations exist that concern the major powers in their relationships with the Eastern, Central and Southeastern states, they should be approached with respect by our governments, in a traditional diplomatic way. Persuasion not imposition should be the desired method of influencing change. Trust, respect and courtesy should be the hallmark of relationships among the members of the European and Atlantic Communities. The new century can thus be a time of greater understanding between all members of the community. The result will be a beautiful mosaic of states respecting core values while still recognizing the different cultures.

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