This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler Can we stop the fall of Europe?
Nov 13, 2025
In this engaging conversation, political economist David Marsh, author of *Can Europe Survive?*, dives into Europe's multifaceted crisis. He discusses the challenges posed by an aggressive Russia, a lukewarm US commitment to NATO, and the economic strains exacerbated by the euro. Marsh reflects on the decline of political leadership and Europe's fading competitive edge in innovation. He emphasizes the need for reforms, financial mobilization, and adaptation to demographic shifts, while warning about the dangers to Europe's core values.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Cumulative Threats To The European Way Of Life
- Europe faces layered long-term pressures from geopolitics, economics, demographics and political fragmentation.
- These accumulated strains create real risk to the European way of life unless addressed proactively.
Leader Vulnerability In The Social Media Era
- Modern political leadership is weakened by social media, 24/7 scrutiny and extreme parties drawing votes.
- This weakens long-term governance and makes tackling complex issues like climate and demography harder.
Euro's Unmet Political Promise
- The euro aimed to challenge the dollar and bind politics, but lacked political union and trust.
- Monetary union produced deflationary pressures and required bailouts that exposed deep fractures.
