https://pjmedia.com/richardfernandez/2009/12/22/the-ghost-of-christmases-past/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 07:23:05 -0400<![CDATA[The Pax Europea, according to Wikipedia, &#8220;is the period of relative peace experienced by Northern and Western Europe (including Greece and Turkey) in the period following World War II—often associated above all with the creation of the European Union (EU) and its predecessors. After the Cold War this peace was extended to most of Central and Eastern Europe, with the major exception of the former Yugoslavia (1990s). &#8230; The EU now comprises 27 countries and has most of Eastern Europe seeking membership (ten eastern European countries joined during the 2000s). Further, most countries in Western Europe which remain outside are tied to the EU by economic agreements and treaties such as the European Economic Area. Within the zone of integration, there has been no conflict since 1945, making it the longest period of peace on the western European mainland since Pax Romana.&#8221;]]>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:02:13 -0500<![CDATA[Richard Fernandez]]>https://pjmedia.com/richard-fernandez/2009/12/22/the-ghost-of-christmases-past-n189484