The Origins of Atlanticism in Central and Eastern Europe
July 01, 2005
Cambridge Review of International Affairs, Volume 18, Number 2, July 2005; pp. 203-216
with Alexandr Vondr
This article argues that the Atlanticism of Central and Eastern Europe originates in a specific set of historical experiences these countries have had with the United States over the past century. These include the Central and East European encounter with both Nazi and communist totalitarian regimes; a recognition of the leading role the US played in toppling communism and in facilitating the integration of these countries into Euro-Atlantic institutions; and the strategic calculation of many countries in the region that their national interests in Europe are better preserved via active American engagement that balances the influence of other major European powers.



