Une histoire problématique, une histoire du temps présent

Abstract

The history of Europe will remain problematic as long as its subject is not agreed on. Is one speaking of Europe-continent, Europe-civilization, Europe-ideal or Europe-construction ? To reduce this uncertainty, he calls for help from comparative history, the history of international relations and the history of the present. He refers to the "deep forces" Pierre Renouvin brought up earlier. He rightly shows that identity and European consciousness, while they are 20th century acquired characteristics, are still operating concepts or more usefully strong working hypotheses.