'We good Europeans...': Genealogical reflections on the idea of Europe

This article analyses the ways in which Nietzsche's genealogical ethos can contribute to our contemporary thinking about the meaning of the European i dea. It sets out by outlining the main aspects of Nietzsche's genealogical approach. The article then identifies the growing debate on the contemporar y 'crisis' and 'meaninglessness' of the European idea as a site where Nietz sche's genealogical reflections can be applied creatively and innovatively. There are at least three benefits that emerge from,such an engagement. Fir stly, Nietzsche's genealogy of European nihilism can assist in explaining t he pessimism that is frequently displayed by contemporary scholars and poli cy-makers in response to the perceived absence of a more meaningful vision of Europe. Secondly, Nietzsche's genealogical analysis exposes some of the historical limitations that characterise much of the contemporary debate on the idea of Europe, pointing instead to a conception of the 'good European ' that seeks to address these limitations. Finally, and most importantly, N ietzsche's genealogical method is capable of provoking a valuable experienc e of autonomy in relation to many previous constraints of European culture. Nietzsche's genealogical ethos can, thus, be of considerable use in deline ating a way of thinking about the European idea in the twenty-first century that neither posits an essentialist idea of Europe, nor restricts itself t o a technocratic or functionalist approach to European governance.