The Struggle for Europe

Mr. Hitchcock discusses his book The Struggle for Europe: The Turbulent History of a Divided Continent 1945 - 2002, published by Doubleday. The book, a historical survey of modern Europe, assesses the impact of World War II on European politics and society, and explores the role of the United States and the Soviet Union in shaping the postwar treaties. According to Mr. Hitchcock, Europe has emerged as a continent striving for ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity; stability, and economic prosperity after a century of war, genocide and ideological rivalry. However, incidences of nationalism and racial intolerance are growing. Mr. Hitchcock suggests that the number of former Nazis, fascists, and Stalinists that have turned up in post-WWII and post-Cold War positions of authority across the continent may explain the basic conservatism of European politics. Mr. Hitchcock answers questions from members of the audience. close