2018

Security and Defence Quarterly

Journal year: 2018 | Journal volume: vol. 19 | Journal number: nr 2

scientific article

english

EN EN This paper analyses changes in the region’s states, and the evolution of Central Europe’s (CE) position in the international environment. Since forming in 1918, the new CE independent states have remained a focus for neighbouring powers and Western powers. The paper looks at the background for the historical, political, economic, demographic, cultural and geopolitical importance of Central Europe. Three essential periods can be distinguished, the first being thepost-WW1 period, when after the downfall of Austria-Hungary and the weakening of Germany, Russia and Turkey, a number of independent states emerged. The lack of Western assistance and insufficient mutual cooperation meant that CE countries became subject to aggression from Berlin and Moscow. After WW2, the region was forcefully reintegrated into the Soviet Union – and its states were subjected to political, social, economic and cultural degradation. The downfall of the Soviet Union and democratic transition in the states of Central Europe contributed to the regional economic and security integration. EU membership and close ties to the USA forged significant possibilities for development and becoming a subject of European policy. Historical experiences show that Central Europe has had a significant impact on international security in Europe. The region’s states of increasing significance have the capability potential to forge their own concepts of close regional political and economic cooperation

2018

13 - 38

http://yadda.icm.edu.pl/yadda/element/bwmeta1.element.baztech-934177a4-880d-4667-8bcb-19c4196d1909?q=bwmeta1.element.baztech-3fa5be8e-cd20-4a56-842c-30123a5bba90;1&qt=CHILDREN-STATELESS

other

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