Europe has just been given a new incentive to handle its burgeoning economic conflicts peacefully. Oslo preemptively hung the dove sign around the European Union's, neck (we think)as a reminder of its 20th century means of settling differences. A relatively peaceful Europe under such economic stresses should be commended considering it's history.
With millions out of work and two, perhaps three generations of Europe's youth facing bleak futures, many could eventually vent their frustrations through violence in the streets. Ethnic minorities, immigrants and skilled foreign workers would face the wrath of the hopeless first.
Greece, first among Europe's fragile Union to crack is already showing signs of irrational hostility through the ascent and growing acceptance of the Golden Dawn Party. Openly racist and xenophobic, a Golden Dawn Party scenario is a predictable reaction to uncertain times that persist without viable or tolerable solutions.
The Golden Dawn Party platform was built upon concerns over high unemployment forced austerity and the collapsing economy. Barely cloaking overt disdain for immigrants while lashing out at incompetent government, the Party gained increased support using virulent anti-immigration rhetoric throughout the Greek national elections of 2012.
Receiving seven percent of the popular vote, the right wing Party was able to capture 21 seats in the Hellenic Parliament. They may have lost some ground in later elections, but the Party's popularity requires close attention.
The challenges facing Europe today are just as dangerous as they are huge. Considering ongoing global efforts have failed to show the slightest movement toward alleviating mounting societal stress factors spreading across the continent, it is little wonder the seeds for economic scapegoating are being planted for later harvesting. Protectionism giving way to trade wars and union workers scuffling with scabs could be just on the horizon. Things get ugly when those scabs are of a foreign origin.
Increasingly, weaker governments may be forced to cave in to demands of extremist to preserve what little power they can. While the old country has remained relatively civilized since the end of WW2, this is the first time in decades the European's levels of tolerance, patience, suffering and sacrifice has been tested. Perhaps the wise ones of Norway recalled Europe's historic proclivity for merciless massacres and murderous mayhem and wanted to make a positive statement before aggression and separatism reared their revolting heads. Next year, Benjamin Netanyahu
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