Another round of street violence in France has produced the familiar official response: nothing fundamental can be altered and the native population must simply adjust. The historical record on divided populations is less comforting and far less passive. Demographic and political settlements that once looked fixed have repeatedly come apart once the underlying assumptions changed.
Between the early 1920s and the mid-1970s, Europe and its near abroad saw formal exchanges, postwar expulsions, partitions, and the rapid departure of long-settled European communities from North Africa. The circumstances differed. The speed did not. Those episodes remain awkward precedents for anyone arguing that today’s arrangements are uniquely irreversible.
Out now, and as always, thanks so much for sticking with me. It is very much appreciated and I hope your week goes well.
Be well.