What is to be done?

Abstract

AbstractThe chapter recommends that (1) Western liberal democracies understand that their political, economic, and social systems, built on the freedom of the individual, will have to succeed in a comprehensive competition with more collective, authoritarian, and non-market models. It recommends that (2) the Western model should be reformed, so as to shine again—whereas today it has let down many of its citizens, caused the world financial crisis, and bears features of crony capitalism. The chapter recommends that (3) economic and financial policies should be understood and practised as an integral part of foreign and security policy, and that the structures of government, and the world view and knowledge of politicians, officials, and chief executive officers, must be formed accordingly. It recommends (4) to increase the political effectiveness and military strength of Western Europe and (5) to re-strengthen transatlantic ties, instead of hunting for the futile goal of European strategic autonomy or even sovereignty. It recommends (6) to push reforms of the world economic order and its international institutions, and to uncompromisingly enforce their rules. It recommends (7) to cooperate fairly with China and Russia, wherever possible, and (8) to be prepared for decades of fierce competition, because under the given circumstances, that is the best of all possible worlds.