Ep 47. The New Europe - 1985 - 2001

The New Europe - 1985-2001 is the 47th episode of the first season of Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World. This episode explores the transformation of Europe into a new world order in the late 20th century.

The episode begins by examining the impact of Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika on the Soviet Union and the Eastern European countries under its influence. The collapse of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1989 marked a turning point in European history, leading to the dismantling of the Soviet empire and the emergence of a new Europe.

The episode then looks at the formation of the European Union (EU) and the adoption of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which established a single market, a common currency and a framework for political cooperation among the member states. The EU expanded rapidly during this period, with the inclusion of countries from Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the creation of the Schengen Area, which abolished border controls among its members.

The episode also examines the challenges faced by governments and societies in adapting to these changes, including economic dislocation, ethnic tensions and the rise of nationalist and populist movements. The Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, the decline of the welfare state and the impact of globalisation are among the issues discussed.

Throughout the episode, various figures and institutions are highlighted for their role in shaping the new Europe. These include German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, French President Francois Mitterrand, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, European Commission President Jacques Delors and the European Court of Justice.

The episode concludes by reflecting on the achievements and limitations of the new Europe, and the ongoing challenges it faces in the 21st century. The EU's response to the global financial crisis, the refugee crisis and the Brexit vote are among the issues discussed, as well as the resurgence of nationalist and anti-EU sentiment in some member states.

Overall, The New Europe - 1985-2001 offers a comprehensive overview of the transformation of Europe from the end of the Cold War to the turn of the millennium. By tracing the political, economic and social developments of this period, the episode illuminates the complex forces that have shaped the modern Western world.