I was merely using a historically example of a federation unable to operate as a unit. I was not advocating the creation of a European Empire.

In terms of warfare mortality rates disease grew to be a bigger threat as the massed frontal assault became a less favorable tactic to be replaced by the artillery barrage, but in terms of actual warfare continental peace only existed from the perspective that Britain was isolated from any conflict (Crimea excluded).

Was it even the greatest period of imperial expansion?

‘European’ liberal culture has colonised and expanded into far more corners of existence since 1950 and at ever increasing rates because we haven’t put away our historic squabbling and have admitted we can remain disunited behind a single banner.

We have started to win the case for parliamentary democracy by pointing out how this creates a system of checks and balances against overwhelming power which is being taken up across the world particularly by African, Latin American and South-East Asian countries as the means for them to exercise the equality of their voice against larger neighbours.

The eternal question we face is how to accurately formulate a multi-lateral global polity by ensuring accountability is enhanced without undermining any of the foundations which constitute it. Continentalism is only one part of the full answer.

The ‘accidental superpower’ is a description traditionally used to describe Britains involvement in India. Trade agreements were not defended by political settlement but by militarism and hegemonic exploitation at the expense of all.

So the term doesn’t apply to any definition of Europe when the balance of internal divisions clearly showed positive dissent over the subject of the invasion of Iraq and forces are actively pushing and opposing superpower status. And it will continue to be a misapplication of the term while we export our examples of best practise and good governance around the world – the importance of this struggle remains highlighted in areas where resistance is greatest (Afghanistan, Darfur, Zimbabwe, Congo etc).

Historically speaking, the greatest age in the history of European imperial expansion, 1820-1910, was also a period of remarkable peace between European nations. Between them, they once dominated the world; if only they could put aside their historic squabbling and actually unite under a common banner, they would be a superpower to be reckoned with.

Except many of the prime architects claim their political origins from among the three main distinct traditions and the there is strong agreement across the EU that the three top jobs should reflect this political balance.