Europeans Face the World Divided

A report released by the US-based Pew Research Center in June 2016 showed that in the wake of prolonged economic stagnation, a massive influx of refugees, terrorist attacks and a strategic challenge posed by Russia, many European are wary of foreign entanglements.

Yet Europeans have not completely turned their backs on the world. Although deeply critical of how the European Union has handled the refugee crisis, the economy and Russia, they acknowledge the Brussels-based institution’s rising international prominence and want it to take a more active role in world affairs. Involvement in the international economy is also widely supported and Europeans generally feel an obligation to help developing nations.

• Primary Source

EUObserver, 14.06.16: Few Europeans see Russia as 'major' threat https://euobserver.com/foreign/133815

Pew Research Center: Europeans Face the World Divided [Report, June 2016] http://www.pewglobal.org/files/2016/06/Pew-Research-Center-EPW-Report-FINAL-June-13-2016.pdf

TIME, 13.06.16: Europeans Want a More Active E.U., Poll Finds http://time.com/4365973/europe-poll-european-union-active/

Sputnik International, 14.06.16: Wind of Change Needed: Most Europeans Unhappy With EU Policy Toward Russia http://sptnkne.ws/b3pp

Politico, 14.06.16: Europeans struggle to find common ground: survey http://www.politico.eu/article/europe-divisions-news-pew-research-russia-refugees-global-influence-survey/

ESO: Key Source: European Union Global Strategy http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-union-global-strategy/

EurActiv, 15.06.16: Europeans fear ISIS and refugees, oppose increased military budgets http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/europeans-fear-is-and-refugees-oppose-increased-military-budgets/

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