European identity beyond the nation-state. Plurality and inclusion for a new democratic space

In the previous sections the focus has been on the fact that the idea of Europe emerged by a constant confrontation with otherness. Anyway, this process is more complex as it is not limited to a clash or a rigid distinction from the "Other": Hobson argues that Europeans have always had intense interaction and exchanges with the Eastern countries, in fact some elements of the European culture are originated from outside Europe (it is the case of Christianity). It is worth to remind that the mathematic models used by Copernicus were invented by Ibn al-Shatir and that the typical British tea-drinking comes from the Chinese tradition. An extreme vision is that of Bartlett, who argues that "Europe, the initiator of one of the world's major processes of conquest, colonisation and cultural transformation, was also a product of one".

Even if the level of communication was high, it would be a mistake to assert that Europeans did recognise the originality and the value of other cultures: the euro-centrist approach adopted put the European culture at the top of the civilisation scale. What can be seen as a distinctive feature of Europe is the "appropriation" and reworking of someone else's cultural elements, without a deepening of a constructive dialogue nor an explicit acknowledgment of the external influence.

The fundamental ambiguity accompanying Europe throughout the centuries is the constant effort to provide its identity with a kind of substance, referring to an alleged common geographical belonging, to ethnic origins, or to a common cultural heritage. This effort has always implied the demonisation of the "Other" and the refusal to build constructive forms of dialogue, looking instead for unity as common opposition to an enemy. It is worth here to remind that every attempt to "purify" Europe from the presence of an alleged hostile "Other" has always turned into tragedy; and this because otherness is intrinsically part of European essence.
Understanding the path followed by the idea of Europe and its identity in the past is fundamental in order to interpret today's scenario and make some policy assessments for the future. Assuming a cosmopolitan perspective in the European integration process means to recognise the plural and multifaceted identities shaping the continent, to accept its constitutive otherness and to take advantage of it as an enriching element. The instrument of intercultural dialogue is crucial in order to experiment a new form of relationship between the Self and the "Other", leading towards a democratic and inclusive Europe.