Why Britain’s Vote on EU Membership Is So Momentous

A European Union referendum postal voting form (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

 

Watch the Brexit vote today. Whichever way it goes, it could mark a turning point for Europe and the world.

Britain’s referendum on its membership in the European Union is its most important decision in a generation. But regardless of which option the Brits choose, June 23 could mark a major turning point, both for Britain and for the EU. The referendum is forecast to be close.

The Fate of Europe

Even if Britain votes to stay, it will not deepen its ties with the European Union. Britain has no appetite for handing over more power to Brussels.

Why the Euro Is Heading for an Earthshaking Crisis

Because the article has so many good points, a majority of it will be left up, as has been done here in rare cases.

Courtesy of The Trumpet:

 

And why the euro is incompatible with democracy

European leaders are in a panic. Greece’s banks are closed. Experts warn the global economy is under threat. And it all hinges on Greece’s place in the eurozone.

Fears of rioting and mass panic, dormant since the Greek fires of 2008, are rising again.

It shows just how fragile the eurozone is. In April 2014, the Greek government was able to borrow money on the normal financial markets at the relatively high, but not appalling, rate of 4.95 percent. As far as lenders were concerned, the euro crisis was over. Greece was no longer dangling over the edge of a precipice. Instead, it could borrow money just like any other normal nation.

The Giants of the East

From 2009 with relevancy today:

 

Chinese soldiers march during a parade marking the end of joint Russian-Chinese military exercises at Chebarkul testing range on 17 August, 2007. The presidents of Russia and China attended the joint military exercises. (MAXIM MARMUR/AFP/Getty Images)

 

Russia and China are now better prepared to fight together than Britain and America were before World War ii.

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“Anti-Terrorist” Exercises

Although the two don’t always see eye to eye, Russia and China today have a strong military alliance, largely to counter mutual foes. The two nations have already signed a de facto defense pact.

Russia and China held their first set of war games in 2005. These were labeled “anti-terrorist” exercises, but in reality they were far more—involving over 10,000 troops, warships and airplanes. They simulated landing attacks against hostile shores and even featured large-scale paratroop drops. Experts believe they may have been a trial run for a joint Russia-China invasion of Taiwan, or for supporting a Central Asian government against an American-backed insurgency.