Europe

[Furunculus]

every nation has a broad world view that is shaped by their history.

the prudish brits recoil in horrified incomprehension that italy continues to vote berlusconi in as their leader.

the french maintain a deep suspicion of free booting anglo-saxon ways as well as 'their' foreign policy mechanisms (read: NATO).

the polish maintain a deep-seated fear of any neighbour that is bigger than them, which is why they respect defence alliances more than political alliances.

these few examples demonstrate different expectations, and obviously result from the shared history, culture and values of the peoples that exhibit these traits. it isn't rocket science.

i supported Britain's intervention in iraq, and i am glad Britain continues to provide military support to America, because i mostly agree with their view of the way the world should be, i doubt that any other large continental nations of old europe would show such willingness, and that is because they don't share so similar a world view. and that is fine, but don't expect me to rejoice at the prospect of governance from a group that strays further away from my own natural inclinations.