So when I’m thinking about ending western imperialism one of the first institutions that is a major block is the EU. Not only does it facilitate global exploitation in favor of the global north, but it also forces austerity in Europe and my understanding is that you literally cannot be a socialist government in the EU- this is not something we can change/take power of, but something that must be ended entirely.
In terms of the current crisis, the EU is leading the charge to essentially rid Europe of all Russian energy. As someone who does not and has never lived in Europe, I’m wondering if I’m witnessing the beginning of the end for the EU and how easy or realistic it would be for countries to escape its grasp. I would also like to extend the time frame we’re looking at a bit- if this crisis doesn’t directly cause people to leave the EU this winter it could still cause it down the line. It just comes down to how decoupled Russia and China become from the west at the end of all this. Especially 10 years down the line, it is inevitable many countries side with China over the US if they’re forced to choose just 1. That’s not even including the amount of countries that are totally fucked without Russian gas. I just don’t get how the EU could maintain itself through such a crisis, a self caused one at that.
I’m not sure that there’s a big enough anti-EU movement at the moment, and where a small group springs up there are plenty of people willing to knock them on the head. Most people, at least where I’m at in the EU core, still think that the energy and inflation crises are Putin’s fault. Maybe our government isn’t doing the best, but they’ve been dealt a shitty hand and they’re doing their best. Even the member states which were previously closest to openly consider leaving (in my view Hungary and Poland) seem to be playing along with current EU policy. People who simply protest against rising energy costs and shortages are being treated by media as Russian agents and genocide deniers.
It’s true that the EU is anti-communist, neoliberal, and undemocratic by design. It must be dismantled just like any other reactionary institution. I just don’t see it happening all that quickly, but maybe this winter will set things in motion.