The Ups and Downs of Mutual Relevance

Now that the colonial systems of Europe have been dismantled, the relevance of Europe to the Third World has come in question. Third World nations have built up relations with such countries as the United States, USSR, & Japan, & with one another. However, the overall trend is toward world economic integration. The Third World has gained significance for Europe as a symbol of revolution; more recently, such events as the Cambodian repression have led to a sense of disillusionment, & support for human rights issues. European governments at the same time have found common cultural, political, security, & economic interests with Third World nations. The European Economic Community (EEC) has taken on a role in these processes based on the former relations of France with French colonies; this led to the Lome convention, involving 46 African, Caribbean, & Pacific nations in relations with the EEC. A greater symmetry between the roles of Europe & the Third World is gradually emerging. W. H. Stoddard.