From Consensus to Mutual Distrust and Back: The Shifting Boundaries of Free Europe in the Twentieth Century
From Consensus to Mutual Distrust and Back: The Shifting Boundaries of Free Europe in the Twentieth Century

Summary/Abstract: In this paper, we analyze the concept of a “Free Europe” as it has evolved throughout the 20th century, with its ups and downs – ranging from the first realistic plans for devising a continental edifice, continuing through the bleakest moments of Europe’s history, when liberty was under siege and had all but receded from the Easternmost part of the continent. We begin with the ideas of Aristide Briand, the first major political figure to advance a concrete concept of federal European integration. Although his initial approach only addressed economic principles, Briand’s design increasingly incorporated political considerations as well. The economic and political woes of the period, however, caused its eventual failure. Finally, we focus on the onslaught on liberty in postwar Eastern Europe, highlighting the ways in which the events there were perceived by American diplomats who constantly warned of the security risks to Western Europe and the U.S., once Eastern Europe succumbed entirely to totalitarian rule. American diplomats also offered recommendations for what should be done once communism was rolled back, as we have lately seen.

• Details
• Contents