Review: Reflections on the Revolution in Europe

A specter is haunting Europe, writes Weekly Standard senior editor and Financial Times columnist Caldwell—a theocracy about to overwhelm a tolerant, relativistic society. The revolution referenced in the title is sometimes so quiet as to be unnoticed—if one is not living in Germany, England, Spain or France. Those countries are being transformed by increasing numbers of Muslims radicalized to despise the very democracies into which they have immigrated—or, increasingly, have been born. "Scale matters," writes Caldwell. If the United States had proportionate numbers to France, "it would have close to 40 million Muslims, concentrated in a handful of major cities and poised to take political control of them." The author's tone is not alarmist, but it is urgent, and the question of political control lies at the heart of his argument. What happens to Europe if its institutions are dismantled by those who believe in an authority other than the will of the people? Caldwell gives specific weight to the view that Islam in its current iterations is hostile to assimilation and instead bent on overwhelming other ways of thought. "When an insecure, malleable, relativistic culture meets a culture that is anchored, confident, and strengthened by common doctrines," he concludes, "generally the former…changes to suit the latter." The author examines Western responses to the demographic and ideological shift, none of them completely adequate—though Nicholas Sarkozy's idea that Muslims doff the veil when entering secular society just as he removes his shoes on entering a mosque is a start. Caldwell's analysis is calm and forceful, and it provides excellent background for a much-needed discussion.

Meticulously researched as a journalist, but lacking in any theoretical bases. Mr. Caldwell makes convincing arguments but they are historical hunches that may very well come to be, but the hunches are based more on logic and his impressive knowledge of European history than on any sound academic or theoretical grounding. He warns us about this in the introduction, that his book is not an academic book. Nevertheless, I agree with him that Europe is in trouble, so averse to conflict that it isl drowning itself in moral relativism by allowing anyone and everyone to enter the country and lay down roots no matter how differently or undemocratically they behave.  

Review: Reflections on the Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam, and the West

There should really be an option on Goodreads for "Couldn't finish because it was so bad". This poorly researched piece of garbage is not worth the paper it is printed on. I couldn't finish it. 100 ... Read full review

Review: Reflections on the Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam, and the West

A must read. Well research, superbly written. Caldwell achieves a rare feat: taking out political bias from a highly politicized issue. A must read for anybody interested about the future of Europe and society in general. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/boo... Read full review

Review: Reflections On The Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam And The West

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK It's the hottest of hot topics here in Britain and I thought I'd try to think about it more, but maybe now I wish I hadn't. Whichever way you think about it, it doesn't make ... Read full review

Review: Reflections on the Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam, and the West

This is a persuasive expose on immigration and the growth of Islam in Europe. Historically Europe has been a source of out-migration – mostly to America. Only since the end of the Second World War ... Read full review

Review: Reflections on the Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam, and the West

In the last few decades, mass immigration, particularly of North African Muslims, has become a reality in Europe. Caldwell avoids taking a political position about the issue, focusing on analyzing the ... Read full review

Review: Reflections on the Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam, and the West

It is alright. This was my second time having to read through it for a class, and I think I enjoyed it less this time around. Caldwell gets his point across well enough, I just don't know that I agree ... Read full review

Review: Reflections on the Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam, and the West

Reflections on the revolution in Europe: Immigration, Islam, and the West was a challenging book for me to read. It took a lot of effort to keep in mind that author Christopher Caldwell considers ... Read full review

Review: Reflections on the Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam and the West

I don't know if I can/should rate this book. I didn't comprehend most of it as it was a subject I thought would be more interesting but it kind of wasn't. The book was very well written and the flow ... Read full review