Re: Conservative Europe

In a message dated 12/30/2002 1:03:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, boles@svsu.edu 
writes:

> The study behind this article suggests that Europeans are, on the whole,
> nearly as conservative as Americans on numerous issues, 
> including
> fundamental worldviews

I had trouble understanding why the authors conclude this.  Here are some 
specifics from this study:  Well over 50% of the French and citizens of Great 
Britain believe US foreign policy was partly responsible for 9/11 (the authors 
give no figures for the US!).  91% of Americans consider International 
terrorism a major threat, while only 65% of Europeans feel the same way.  60% 
of Americans feel threatened by immigrants, 38% of Europeans.  56% of Americans 
are worried about China as a great power, 19% of Europeans.  26% of Europeans 
believe the US should not invade Iraq under any circumstances,  Americans, 13%. 
 One of the major convergences of opinion is on whether the US should attack 
Iraq with the backing of the UN and allies:  Europe, 60%, US 65%.  Here the 
possibility that many Europeans have a different perception of the likelihood 
of such approval may be a factor.  52% of the US believes the US should be the 
only superpower, while only 14% of Europeans agree.  Conversely, 65% of 
Europeans believe Europe should be a super power, as opposed to 33% of the US.

There is a good deal of common ground, but things get set in motion by 
governments, not popular opinion.  The US government is presently firmly in the 
hands of leaders who are well outside that middle ground, and may easily 
amplify differences between Europe and the US.

Steven Sherman