Back then, Europeans included environmentalism, realism, self-expression and other principles described by University of Michigan political scientist Ronald Inglehart as “materialism.” Europeans actually use that word. They were proud of it. Today, European politics – and French politics above all – is materialistic. The most explosive issues in the last few elections have been purchasing power, the price of diesel, the retirement age and the housing shortage (often occupied by immigrants awaiting asylum hearings). Europe’s concern is closer to the bread riots of the 18th century than to the Save the Whales of the 20th century.
Here’s another from Christopher Caldwell at the NYT.
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