Europe after the Cold War

Abstract

This chapter is principally concerned with the consequences of the ending of the Cold War with regard to the identity of Europe. Five major issues in particular are discussed and which are all linked to the ending of the Cold War: the question of German unification; the rediscovery of Mitteleuropa; the problem of the double transition from communism to capitalism and liberal democracy in the former communist world; the movement toward unity in Western Europe; and the rise of nationalism and racism throughout Europe.