Issues facing European societies today
Introduction
As teachers, the role of producing global students, who reflect interconnectedness and informed perspectives, depends on our knowledge of both historical and current issues affecting global societies. Therefore, teachers need to try and understand some of the most current global problems affecting different geographical regions and communities living in these regions (Salvatore et al., 2019). This essay will review and discuss the most significant issues affecting European societies today. Additionally, the article will discuss the role of the USA in addressing these issues owing to the long interrelationships between the US and most European communities.
One of the most significant issues affecting European societies today is the issue of economic decline within the European Union leading to a state of the economic crisis in the region. According to an article by sociology author Kai Lehman (2014), “it is common today, even in European media to treat the current economic crisis of the European Union almost as an economic crisis” (p. 33). Another issue facing European societies today is the persistent problem of immigration. Europe is slowly suffering from the influx of refugees from Africa and the middle east. According to Karl Vick (2015), in his analysis of the great migration of refugees into Europe, wave after wave, Europe is facing the largest migration and number of refugees since WW II. The United States has been involved in business with Europe for a long time, and they have contributed to addressing these issues through various international organizations such as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the Red Cross. The US is also known as a global destination for many immigrants, and this also contributed to the reduced number of immigrants into Europe.
Conclusion
Seeking solutions to global problems like the problems of European societies requires a comprehensive approach. Nations should come together through various international organizations to discuss measures of dealing with illegal immigration across the Mediterranean Sea. When the countries approach these issues globally, there are likely to attain solutions since communication breakdowns between different regions cause the problems.
References
Lehmann, K. (2014). Crisis? What (Type) of Crisis? The overlapping problems of the European Union. Revista De Sociologia E Política, 22(50), 33-48.
Salvatore, S., Mannarini, T., Avdi, E., Battaglia, F., Cremaschi, M., Fini, V., … & Matsopoulos, A. (2019). Globalization, the demand for sense and itemization of the other: A psycho-cultural analysis of European societies’ sociopolitical crisis. Culture & Psychology, 25(3), 345-374.
Vick, K. (2015). The great migration. Time. Special Report. Exodus. The Epic Migration to Europe & What Lies Ahead 26-34.