In Monty Python’s Life of Brian, the question was asked: “What have the Romans ever done for us?” The answers included aqueducts, baths, and peace. But what if the true answer is: “their empire fell”? The absence of a Europe-wide empire led to the competitive fragmentation of western Europe, which ultimately drove the commercial, intellectual, technological, legal, and political changes that sparked the industrial revolution. This competitive environment set western Europe apart in world history.
Walter Scheidel’s book Escape from Rome, published in 2019, explores the idea that Europe’s progress was rooted in the failure of any later power to recreate the all-encompassing empire of Rome. While Europeans created empires in other parts of the world, the lack of a unifying empire in Europe itself was crucial. Competition among European states fueled innovation and progress.
For 1,500 years, European states competed with each other, leading to significant advancements. The fragmentation of Europe allowed for continuous development and the eventual rise of the industrial revolution. While some states may have dropped out of the competition, innovations and ideas flourished in this environment.
Geography, including mountains and seas, played a key role in Europe’s fragmentation. Unlike other empires like China and Rome, Europe’s smaller, more fragmented states fostered competition and progress. This unique environment paved the way for Europe’s transformative role in world history.
In more recent centuries, western Europe’s economies experienced significant growth and advancements, leading to a global revolution. Today, the world is far richer and technologically advanced, with intense global competition reshaping the economic landscape.
As the world evolves, Europe faces challenges in maintaining its position in the global economy. The EU must strive to enhance productivity and leverage its economic and demographic resources effectively. However, historical factors of sovereignty, national identity, and politics continue to shape Europe’s path forward.
The completion of the single market and greater coordination on defense remain key challenges for the EU. Economies of scale and agglomeration play a crucial role in modern technologies, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in Europe’s future success.
It is doubtful whether Europeans would be willing or able to engineer such a supercluster. If they were to do so, it would not only impact productivity but also their ability to defend their security. This dilemma highlights a paradox in Europe’s history – the fragmentation that once made its states powerful and wealthy now acts as a barrier to maintaining that status in a world dominated by continental-scale superpowers.
However, there is a potential silver lining. The risk of imperial ossification poses a threat to large states, as seen in the over-centralization of power in China and the rise of corrupt autocracy in the US. Perhaps Europeans should take solace in the fact that Rome fell and has never been able to regain its former glory despite numerous attempts.
Ultimately, the future remains uncertain for Europe, and only time will tell whether they can adapt to the changing global landscape.
For more insights from Martin Wolf, visit martin.wolf@ft.com. Follow Martin Wolf on Twitter and myFT. given sentence:
The weather forecast predicts heavy rain for the rest of the week.
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