Destination Europe. The political and economic growth of a continent

Abstract:

World Wars I and II were essentially European wars, different in nature as the first was largely one of territory and the second one of opposing values, albeit that one side also had ambitions for territorial dominance. The author of this work examines the major political and economic developments of Europe since the end of the Second World War in the hope that in bringing a better understanding of both past and present, the values of peace, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law will survive and flourish.

That better understanding of the past is addressed in the first chapters, which trace the reconstruction of Europe, politically and economically, in both the East and West leading up to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The present or near present is covered in later chapters which examine the European Union's reform efforts, enlargement, movement to a single currency and emerging security role. Consideration is given to changes in eastern and central Europe (including Russia), the break-up of Yugoslavia and the ensuing wars, NATO's enlargement and search for a new mission in the post Cold War world. The changing balances of power in this new situation are considered both within Europe and between Europe and the US. The past and the present dealt with, the author invites us to contemplate the future and the challenges ahead such as terrorism, nationalism, religion, demographic trends and globalisation.

This is a book about Europe the continent, not Europe the political union.

The work will interest scholars and students of European history and European Union studies.

Kjell M. Torbiörn is Head of the Economic Secretariat of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg, and teaches European Affairs at Syracuse University.