S2 EP27: Homelands - A Personal History of Europe

Europe’s historical trajectory reflects a long, slow ascent of freedom from the 1970s through 2007, followed by a precarious downward turn marked by financial crises, populism, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. This conflict serves as a defining moment of existential threat and national redefinition, potentially forging a new political generation of "22ers" committed to European values. While the post-Cold War settlement faced challenges, current Russian revanchism highlights the fragility of democratic gains. Protecting these foundations requires robust support for Ukraine and a renewed commitment to free speech, which faces evolving threats from digital platform monopolies and concentrated media ownership. The struggle for freedom remains central to the European project, requiring both pessimism of the intellect and optimism of the will to navigate current geopolitical instability and the persistent risk of democratic erosion.