The liberal world order is breaking down, and managing international relations primarily through soft diplomacy can no longer be taken for granted. In the United States — which has been an important ally of Europe and an advocate for democracy — deeply worrying developments have been seen since President Trump’s term began. Trump’s arbitrary tariff policy, insinuations regarding Greenland, and the raids and deportations carried out by the immigration police agency ICE are examples of conduct that has no place in a democratic state. ICE’s racist actions place people in a completely unjustified position of inequality. Such conduct should have no place in any state, and least of all in a state that claims to defend democratic values along with people’s freedom and security. Europe must not remain passive while the world is in turmoil and old allies no longer commit to shared values.
This week marks JEF Finland’s Democracy Under Pressure (DUP) campaign week (18–25 March), which aims to spark discussion about the state of democracy and the factors threatening it. Last week (16–22 March) also marked Anti-Racism Week, whose themes are closely intertwined with democracy and equality. Rapidly changing international conflicts, together with President Trump’s aforementioned policies, are currently increasing uncertainty and insecurity in the world, which in turn shows up as pressure on democracy. In Finland, uncertainty is currently further compounded by high unemployment and a weak economic situation.
In times like these, Europe’s unity is put to the test, since in an uncertain situation the easy solution is to turn inward and focus mainly on each state’s own problems. In reality, the best way to counter threats to democracy is, on the contrary, to strengthen European cooperation, which safeguards Europe’s ability to act. Democracy, freedom and equality are core values that unite Europe, values on which the European Union itself was originally built. Upholding these values is now more important than ever, which is why we need a united, capable Europe that can demonstrate the value of democracy through its actions. Europe is an important shaper of opinion, with the power to signal to the rest of the world that soft diplomacy can still produce change even amid crises. Deepening the European Union’s integration toward a democratic federation will ensure that Europe can actively defend and advance democracy, both now and in the future.
JEF Finland unequivocally condemns racism and the unequal treatment of people. Europe must defend its core values more forcefully than ever as they come under global pressure. JEF Finland supports deepening European integration, which will make it possible to better ensure that people across Europe can live within a democratic and equal system.
More information:
Ada Jaakkola