Book Der Westen im Niedergang... by Emmanuel Todd is simply a work that focuses on critical analysis of the current state of Western civilization.
Todd, a French historian and an anthropologist, is known for controversial but apt political predictions specified as his predictions of the collapse of the russian Union.
Thesis on Fall
This time, his book deals with the forecast of the collapse of the West, which he believes is entering a phase of irreversible crisis. Book title Der Westen im Niedergang... Emmanuel Todd can be translated into Polish as The Fall of the West... or West in the fall... It is simply a title expressing the main thesis of the book, which focuses on analysing the economic, cultural and political crisis of Western civilization.
The Real Effects of Globalisation
Todd argues that the West, and peculiarly countries specified as the United States, Britain and Germany, are experiencing a serious economical and cultural crisis. It points to economical stagnation, inability to innovate and the failure of social and moral values, which were the foundations of Western power in the past.
He claims that globalisation, alternatively of benefiting Western countries, has ruined their manufacture and depleted mediate classes. Production has been moved to developing countries, resulting in deindustrialisation in many Western regions, as well as an increase in social inequality. Globalisation, which was to be a tool for strengthening Western dominance, became 1 of the main reasons for its collapse.
Ukraine as the beginning of a change in the global strategy of forces
Todd besides stresses the breakdown of Western culture. According to him, Western countries are gradually losing their national and cultural identities, including Protestant work ethos, work and individualism, which erstwhile fueled their economical and social successes. The disappearance of household institutions, the decline in fertility and the expanding influence of consumerism lead to social and moral disintegration.
In a geopolitical context, Todd foresees a simplification in the Western global position for emerging powers specified as Russia and China. Russia, despite sanctions and conflict with Ukraine, according to Todd, stabilises, while the West clearly loses importance, both in the military and political spheres. Todd besides sees the war in Ukraine as a symbolic confirmation of this weakness, claiming that the United States and their allies will endure defeat in this war, which will consequence in a frost of conflict and a change of global power.
Undercut of Western spiritual roots
Todd notes that 1 of the reasons for the collapse of Western civilization is besides the weakening of religion. Prior to that, religion, especially in Protestant countries, played an crucial function in shaping moral and ethical values that influenced social and economical development. Today, with increasing secularization, the West loses its spiritual foundations, which, according to Todd, leads to the moral decay of society.
The key is Germany
According to Todd, Germany is to play a key function in the future of Europe, but in order to accomplish this it must be free from the dominance of the United States. It mentions the request for an independent policy, which will not only be the implementation of the US interests. Todd suggests that Europe could regain its sovereignty and strength if it dared to do so radically.
Disaster or alarm?
Todd, in his book, presents a very grim image of the future of the West. It points to a multifaceted crisis that concerns the economy, culture, religion and politics. The author believes that the collapse of the West is inevitable, and countries like Russia can play an increasingly crucial function in the global arena in the future.
However, its pessimistic forecast is besides a warning, calling on the West to change its policies, return to old values and rebuild sovereignty.
Brave but tested predictions
Emmanuel Todd (born 1951) is simply a French historian, demographer and an anthropologist who gained global reputation thanks to his apt political predictions. 1 of his most celebrated achievements was to foretell the collapse of the russian Union in a 1976 book. Todd studied at the prestigious Institut d’études polytiques in Paris and obtained a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. His work frequently focuses on demographic, family, educational and spiritual analysis, allowing him to formulate unique conclusions on the politics and future of societies.
Todd gained widespread designation from his publications on global powers, including the book Weltmacht USA. Ein Nachruf (2002) where he questioned the future dominance of the United States internationally. His another known works are Traurige Moderne (2018) and Die unauffaltsame Revolution (2008, co-author Youssef Courbage) which gained popularity in intellectual circles.
Todd is known for courageously expressing his views on geopolitics, frequently questioning common views on global powers and the future of the West.
Matthäus Golla
Emmanuel Todd, Der Westen im Niedergang: Ökonomie, Kultur und religion im frien Fall, Westend Verlag, Frankfurt am Main 2024, p. 352.
