The Nanovic Institute invited Lord Christopher Patten of Barnes to present a lecture at the Institute’s annual Forum, entitled “Europe, America, and the Changing World Order” in the Geddes Hall Auditorium on April 19. Lord Patten is currently the chair of the BBC Trust, the first Catholic chancellor at the University of Oxford since the 16th century, and was the final British Governor of Hong Kong.
Patten began his discussion on the changing world order by pointing out how Europe largely dominated the 19th century. By the 20th century, the United States began to dominate the world scene by creating global infrastructure and assisting in rebuilding Europe. Patten emphasized that it was the capitalist qualities of the United States that allowed for its success and global authority.
“The United States is not the world’s imperium,” he said, “but it is its emporium.”
As the turn of the 21st century approached, Patten claims that America began to decline.
“The world continues to turn to the US for leadership,” said Patten. “Though it is the world’s biggest superpower, it is also the biggest debtor nation.”
Patten then addressed the state of the European Union (EU). Patten claimed, “the issue of the EU is not just economic or political, but moral as well.” He said that the existence oftheEUis what maintains peace and trade in Europe. However, Patten pointed out that the EU is bound to face some problems in the future due to foreseeable difficulties. One problem, he noted, is the assumption underlying the EU that “imbalances between proud ancient nation states wouldn’t matter, like between states in the U.S.” Patten is also concerned that there is not just one central economy and government. If one country is facing economic issues and debts – like present day Greece – other countries are less likely to be able to assist. One of his final concerns was the decline in the European population.
By mid-century the population of Europe will decrease by 20 percent, with a majority of that population loss attributable to decreased birthrates in Italy, Poland, and Spain.
In contrast, Patten pointed out the rapid growth of developing nations once known as “third-world countries.” China and India are emerging as two of the world’s fastest developing markets. In 2010, China exported in one day what it exported annually in 1979. India, meanwhile, is crafting a middle class and has become a hub for a variety of established Gold Standard corporations. Despite China’s economic success, Patten sees problems with its future growth.
“Developing nations face the daunting task of reshaping their economies from manufacturing and exporting cheaper than the West to domestic consumption and investment,” he said. Additionally, these developing nations cause significant environmental problems. Half of the most polluted cities in the world are Chinese cities.
Another critical issue that Patten pointed out was the growing social inequality in the country. China’s Gini coefficient – a common measure of income or wealth inequality – illustrates not only a larger gap between the wealthy and the majority of the community but also a rich- poor gap that continues to grow. It seems that booming economic growth comes with a price.
In conclusion, Patten observed that the world order is changing rapidly.
“We are experiencing the least predictable time of any during my lifetime,” he claimed. “It is now more important than ever to hang on to universal values such as accountability, strong civil society, clean government and due process, and freedom of speech, worship, and religion.”
He concluded by saying that, “if the West carries itself well in its own countries, we will carry over conviction when we ask other countries to do that as well.”
Derek Defensor is a gallant fellow who deters the deeds of devious dragons. Contact him at ddefenso@nd.edu.
