The end of Europe: Dictators, demagogues, and the coming dark age

On March 13 2017, the Project on International Order and Strategy at Brookings hosted James Kirchick of the Foreign Policy Initiative for the launch of his new book “The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues, and the Coming Dark Age” (Yale University Press, 2017). Long heralded as the region of peace, stability, cooperation, democracy, and social harmony, modern Europe confronts a potential unraveling in the face of multiple crises across the continent. “The End of Europe” tours seven nations as case studies of the diverse set of challenges now straining the institutions and norms that have bound the region together and that threaten the U.S. vision for a Europe whole, free, and at peace.

Kirchick examined these themes in opening remarks, followed by a panel discussion on the future of the West, the trans-Atlantic partnership, and the constitutional democratic model in Europe. He was joined in the discussion by Brookings Senior Fellows Constanze Stelzenmüller and Leon Wieseltier, moderated by Brookings Senior Fellow Robert Kagan. Thomas Wright, director of the Project on International Order and Strategy, provided opening remarks.