The Long D騁ente: Changing Concepts of Security and Cooperation in Europe, 1950s-1980s (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9789633861271)

This book presents pieces of evidence, which - taken together - lead to an argument that goes against the grain of the established Cold War narrative. The argument is that a "long d騁ente" existed between East and West from the 1950s to the 1980s, that it existed and lasted for good (economic, national security, societal) reasons, and that it had a profound impact on the outcome of the conflict between East and West and the quintessentially peaceful framework in which this "endgame" was played.

New, Euro-centered narratives are offered, including both West and East European perspectives. These contributions point to critical inconsistencies and inherent problems in the traditional U.S. dominated narrative of the "Victory in the Cold War." The argument of a "long d騁ente" does not need to replace the ruling American narrative. Rather, it can and needs to be augmented with European experiences and perceptions. After all, it was Europe - its peoples, societies, and states - that stood both at the ideological and military frontline of the conflict between East and West, and it was here that the struggle between liberalism and communism was eventually decided.

Author: Oliver Bange
ISBN-10: 9633861276
ISBN-13: 9789633861271
Publisher: Central European University Press
Language: English
Published: 02/10/2017
Pages: 370
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.45lbs
Size: 9.10h x 5.90w x 1.10d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 04/01/2018