In the 18th and 19th centuries, despite giving the impression of being divided, Europeans had the potential to dominate the world due to their substantial lead in fields such as science, technology, transportation and armament. Those days are now behind us. The World Wars of the 20th century, for which Europe itself was responsible, significantly weakened the continent, causing it to lose the lead it once held. Today, “continent-sized nations —established or rising global powers such as the United States, China, India, Russia and Brazil—represent a significant challenge for Europeans. It is easier for these nations to discuss or negotiate bilaterally with individual European countries, who are in a weaker position, than to face a united Europe, which is, still today, the world’s leading trading force and second largest economy. On their own, our old European nations, even the most powerful ones (Germany, France, etc.), are no longer a match for these “continent-sized nations”