The rise of populism is leading to Europe "coming apart before our eyes," a group of 30 historians and Nobel laureates from 21 countries conclude in a co-signed letter, according to The Guardian.
"We must now will Europe or perish beneath the waves of populism," the letter reads, per the report. "We must rediscover political voluntarism or accept that resentment, hatred, and their cortège of sad passions will surround and submerge us."
The 800-word editorial was published in several newspapers and warned Russia's Vladimir Putin has orchestrated the takedown of liberal ideals, along with President Donald Trump's America First platform, and helped lead Britain into Brexit.
"Abandoned from across the Channel and from across the Atlantic by the two great allies who in the previous century saved it twice from suicide; vulnerable to the increasingly overt manipulations of the master of the Kremlin, Europe as an idea, as will and representation, is coming apart before our eyes," they wrote.
French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy drafted the letter, which was signed by novelists, historians, and Nobel prize laureates, The Guardian reported.
"Europe is in greater danger now than at any time in the last 70 years, and if one believes in that idea it's time to stand up and be counted," signatory Salman Rushdie told the paper. "In the U.K., I hope parliament may yet have the courage to call for a second referendum. That could rescue the country from the calamity of Brexit and go a long way towards rescuing the EU as well."
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