Is the US to blame for Europe's sickness? w/Peter Mertens

Editor's note: This conversation was recorded on Dec 5, 2024.In just two weeks, the governments of Germany's Olaf Scholz and France's Michel Jean Barnier have fallen. These are just the latest signs of a political crisis in Europe that has escalated drastically since the start of the Ukraine War, which has brought inflation, deindustrialization, and instability throughout the continent. Peter Mertens, General Secretary of the Belgian Workers' Party (PTB-PVDA) and a member of his country's parliament, sees Europe's crisis as a consequence of US attempts to forestall its decline through economic and military confrontation with a rising Global South. While loyalty to the US is taken for granted by most of Europe's leaders, Mertens argues the future of the continent requires a break with the Atlanticist system. In this exclusive interview, The Real News speaks with Mertens on Europe's future and the release of his new book, Mutiny: How the World Is Tilting. Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterFollow us on BlueskyLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast