Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs, former UN special advisor on sustainable development, delivered a stirring address to the European Parliament. He urged Europe to reconsider its strategic alignment in a rapidly changing global landscape, warning that an overreliance on U.S.-led policies has stifled independent decision-making and dialogue.
Drawing on historical examples and current challenges, Sachs critiqued the legacy of U.S.-backed interventions—highlighting instances where influential lobbying and simplistic game theory have overshadowed nuanced strategic debate. He noted that policies such as the CHIPS Act and restrictions on high-tech sales, including limitations imposed on companies like ASML and bans affecting sectors in the UK, have weakened Europe’s competitive edge.
Addressing the continent’s evolving dilemmas, Sachs explained that the fallout of abandoned diplomatic agreements and military tensions, as seen in the crises in Ukraine and Donbass, has contributed to economic strain. Rising inflation, a burdensome refugee crisis, and costly energy adjustments—exacerbated by shifts away from Russian gas—underscore the challenges Europe now faces.
However, Sachs offered a compelling pivot. Emphasizing his memorable assertion that "China is not an enemy. China is just a success story which is why it is viewed by the United States as an enemy," he advocated for a renewed partnership with the Chinese mainland. According to Sachs, Europe and the Chinese mainland, two storied civilizations sharing common challenges, can build a natural, mutually beneficial alliance to rebalance global power dynamics.
The address also touched on rising geopolitical tensions. Sachs pointed to mounting pressure on European states to deploy warships through the Taiwan Strait—a move he described as an unnecessary provocation influenced by external narratives. He argued that rather than deepening conflict, European leaders should focus on reinforcing trade relations and connectivity across Eurasia, noting that EU trade with China amounted to around $700 billion in 2024.
In a call for strategic autonomy, Sachs urged European decision-makers to move beyond a narrow historical lens and adopt a balanced international approach. Strengthening ties with the Chinese mainland, he contended, could help create a more resilient future built on shared economic and technological interests rather than alignment to external hegemonies.
Reference(s):
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