John McCormick, The Idea of Europe (2010)
In The Idea of Europe, John McCormick explores the concept of Europe as a geographical,
cultural, political, and historical idea. He examines how Europe has been defined and redefined
over time, reflecting on the continent’s evolving identity and the factors that have contributed to
its sense of unity and diversity. The book is a comprehensive study of the intellectual, cultural,
and political development of Europe, considering both its internal diversity and the forces that
have drawn Europeans together.
Key Themes:
Defining Europe:
McCormick begins by addressing the question: "What is Europe?" He delves into the challenges
of defining Europe geographically and culturally, noting that it is not just a physical space, but
also an idea shaped by history, culture, and politics.
Europe has no clear geographical boundaries, with its eastern frontier often debated, especially
with the inclusion of countries like Turkey or Russia. However, McCormick highlights that
Europe is more often defined by shared historical experiences and cultural traditions.
Historical Development of the Idea of Europe:
Classical Foundations: McCormick traces the roots of European identity to ancient Greece and
Rome, which laid the intellectual, legal, and political foundations of Europe. Greek ideas about
democracy and Roman law were instrumental in shaping Europe’s political systems.
Christianity: Christianity played a key role in uniting Europe during the Middle Ages, providing a
common religious and moral framework, even as political fragmentation characterized the
period.
The Renaissance and Enlightenment: The Renaissance brought about a revival of classical
ideas, fostering the growth of European humanism, while the Enlightenment emphasized
reason, science, and individual rights, ideas that were central to modern European identity.
The Age of Empire: European exploration and colonization spread European ideas globally,
reinforcing Europe’s sense of cultural superiority while also creating contradictions between
Europe's ideals and its colonial practices.
European Unity and Fragmentation:
Throughout its history, Europe has been marked by both unity and division. McCormick
highlights how wars, rivalries, and nationalism have divided Europe, yet there have also been
efforts to create unity, from the Holy Roman Empire to the modern European Union.
The two World Wars of the 20th century, and particularly the devastation of World War II, played
a crucial role in rethinking European unity, leading to the creation of the European Union as a
means of preventing further conflict and fostering economic and political cooperation.
The Role of Ideas in Shaping Europe:
,Europe’s intellectual traditions have been central to shaping its identity. McCormick examines
how philosophical and political ideas, such as liberalism, socialism, nationalism, and human
rights, have contributed to Europe's development.
The idea of a "civilized Europe" emerged during the Enlightenment, and Europe’s global role as
a promoter of democracy, human rights, and international law is seen as a continuation of these
Enlightenment values.
European Diversity:
Europe is culturally, linguistically, and religiously diverse. McCormick emphasizes that this
diversity is one of Europe’s defining features, with multiple cultures and identities coexisting
within the continent. He also examines how this diversity has been both a source of strength
and tension, particularly in relation to issues of immigration and multiculturalism in modern
Europe.
The European Union and Contemporary Identity:
The book discusses the role of the European Union (EU) in fostering a sense of shared
European identity in the post-war period. The EU has provided a framework for political and
economic cooperation, but McCormick points out that there are still tensions between national
sovereignty and European integration.
McCormick also reflects on how modern challenges, such as economic crises, populism, and
debates over immigration, test the strength of European unity. The question of what it means to
be "European" is increasingly complex in a globalized world.
Conclusion:
John McCormick concludes that Europe is not just a place but an evolving idea shaped by a
shared yet diverse history, culture, and political experience. The book argues that Europe’s
identity is both dynamic and contested, defined by the tension between unity and fragmentation,
as well as tradition and modernity. Despite its internal differences, the continent has been bound
together by intellectual, religious, and political forces that have shaped the development of a
distinctly European civilization.
In sum, The Idea of Europe is a thoughtful exploration of the evolving nature of European
identity, offering insights into how Europe has been constructed through history and how it
continues to define itself in the contemporary world.
Edin Hajdarpasic's 2008 article "Reflections on the
Ottoman Legacy in Southeastern Europe"
In this article, Hajdarpasic examines the complex and multifaceted legacy of the Ottoman
Empire in Southeastern Europe. He highlights how the Ottoman period (spanning several
,centuries until the early 20th century) has left a deep impact on the region's political, cultural,
social, and religious landscapes. The article emphasizes that the legacy of the Ottoman Empire
in this region is often interpreted in divergent ways, shaping national identities and historical
narratives in significant ways.
Key themes in Hajdarpasic’s reflections include:
Diverse Historical Narratives: Different countries and ethnic groups in Southeastern Europe (like
Serbs, Bulgarians, Greeks, Albanians, Bosnians, etc.) interpret the Ottoman period through
varying lenses. For some, the Ottomans are seen as foreign occupiers whose rule is
remembered with hostility, associated with subjugation and a loss of Christian identity. For
others, particularly in Bosnia and Albania, the Ottoman period is viewed more ambivalently or
even positively, especially in relation to the spread of Islam and the Ottoman system of
governance, which provided a degree of local autonomy.
Cultural and Religious Legacy: The Ottoman Empire introduced Islam to the Balkans, leaving an
enduring religious and cultural imprint. This is most evident in regions like Bosnia, Kosovo, and
Albania, where large Muslim populations remain. The Ottoman era also influenced architecture,
language, and legal traditions, contributing to the rich cultural diversity of the region. However,
this legacy is often a point of contention, especially in post-Ottoman national narratives that
frame it as a period of foreign domination.
Political and Social Structures: The Ottoman administrative system, including the millet system
(which allowed religious communities a degree of autonomy) and land management practices,
left a lasting influence on the social and political structures of Southeastern Europe. The millet
system, for example, helped maintain religious diversity under Ottoman rule, but also laid the
groundwork for nationalist movements by reinforcing religious and ethnic distinctions.
Memory and Nationalism: The article discusses how the memory of the Ottoman past has been
shaped by nationalist movements in the 19th and 20th centuries. Nationalist historians often
depicted the Ottoman period as a "dark age" of foreign oppression, a narrative that served to
galvanize anti-Ottoman sentiment and support for independence. Hajdarpasic points out that
these nationalistic interpretations often oversimplify the more complex, nuanced realities of life
under Ottoman rule.
Contemporary Reflections: In the post-Ottoman era, the legacy of the empire continues to be
relevant, particularly in the context of contemporary political and social tensions in the Balkans.
Ethnic and religious divisions, which were partly shaped by Ottoman policies, remain prominent.
Hajdarpasic suggests that understanding the Ottoman legacy is crucial for addressing current
issues in Southeastern Europe, as the region grapples with questions of identity,
multiculturalism, and historical memory.
In conclusion, Hajdarpasic’s article argues that the Ottoman legacy in Southeastern Europe
cannot be reduced to a single narrative. It is a deeply contested historical period that continues
, to shape the identities and politics of the region in significant and sometimes contradictory ways.
Understanding this legacy requires moving beyond nationalist myths and considering the
complexity of the Ottoman experience in the Balkans.
Leustean 2008 Orthodoxy and political myths in Balkan
national identities
In this article, Lucian Leustean explores the interplay between Orthodox Christianity and the
formation of national identities in the Balkans. He focuses on how Orthodoxy has been used to
construct and perpetuate political myths that have shaped national narratives, particularly in the
post-Ottoman era. Leustean argues that the Orthodox Church has played a central role in the
In The Idea of Europe, John McCormick explores the concept of Europe as a geographical,
cultural, political, and historical idea. He examines how Europe has been defined and redefined
over time, reflecting on the continent’s evolving identity and the factors that have contributed to
its sense of unity and diversity. The book is a comprehensive study of the intellectual, cultural,
and political development of Europe, considering both its internal diversity and the forces that
have drawn Europeans together.
Key Themes:
Defining Europe:
McCormick begins by addressing the question: "What is Europe?" He delves into the challenges
of defining Europe geographically and culturally, noting that it is not just a physical space, but
also an idea shaped by history, culture, and politics.
Europe has no clear geographical boundaries, with its eastern frontier often debated, especially
with the inclusion of countries like Turkey or Russia. However, McCormick highlights that
Europe is more often defined by shared historical experiences and cultural traditions.
Historical Development of the Idea of Europe:
Classical Foundations: McCormick traces the roots of European identity to ancient Greece and
Rome, which laid the intellectual, legal, and political foundations of Europe. Greek ideas about
democracy and Roman law were instrumental in shaping Europe’s political systems.
Christianity: Christianity played a key role in uniting Europe during the Middle Ages, providing a
common religious and moral framework, even as political fragmentation characterized the
period.
The Renaissance and Enlightenment: The Renaissance brought about a revival of classical
ideas, fostering the growth of European humanism, while the Enlightenment emphasized
reason, science, and individual rights, ideas that were central to modern European identity.
The Age of Empire: European exploration and colonization spread European ideas globally,
reinforcing Europe’s sense of cultural superiority while also creating contradictions between
Europe's ideals and its colonial practices.
European Unity and Fragmentation:
Throughout its history, Europe has been marked by both unity and division. McCormick
highlights how wars, rivalries, and nationalism have divided Europe, yet there have also been
efforts to create unity, from the Holy Roman Empire to the modern European Union.
The two World Wars of the 20th century, and particularly the devastation of World War II, played
a crucial role in rethinking European unity, leading to the creation of the European Union as a
means of preventing further conflict and fostering economic and political cooperation.
The Role of Ideas in Shaping Europe:
,Europe’s intellectual traditions have been central to shaping its identity. McCormick examines
how philosophical and political ideas, such as liberalism, socialism, nationalism, and human
rights, have contributed to Europe's development.
The idea of a "civilized Europe" emerged during the Enlightenment, and Europe’s global role as
a promoter of democracy, human rights, and international law is seen as a continuation of these
Enlightenment values.
European Diversity:
Europe is culturally, linguistically, and religiously diverse. McCormick emphasizes that this
diversity is one of Europe’s defining features, with multiple cultures and identities coexisting
within the continent. He also examines how this diversity has been both a source of strength
and tension, particularly in relation to issues of immigration and multiculturalism in modern
Europe.
The European Union and Contemporary Identity:
The book discusses the role of the European Union (EU) in fostering a sense of shared
European identity in the post-war period. The EU has provided a framework for political and
economic cooperation, but McCormick points out that there are still tensions between national
sovereignty and European integration.
McCormick also reflects on how modern challenges, such as economic crises, populism, and
debates over immigration, test the strength of European unity. The question of what it means to
be "European" is increasingly complex in a globalized world.
Conclusion:
John McCormick concludes that Europe is not just a place but an evolving idea shaped by a
shared yet diverse history, culture, and political experience. The book argues that Europe’s
identity is both dynamic and contested, defined by the tension between unity and fragmentation,
as well as tradition and modernity. Despite its internal differences, the continent has been bound
together by intellectual, religious, and political forces that have shaped the development of a
distinctly European civilization.
In sum, The Idea of Europe is a thoughtful exploration of the evolving nature of European
identity, offering insights into how Europe has been constructed through history and how it
continues to define itself in the contemporary world.
Edin Hajdarpasic's 2008 article "Reflections on the
Ottoman Legacy in Southeastern Europe"
In this article, Hajdarpasic examines the complex and multifaceted legacy of the Ottoman
Empire in Southeastern Europe. He highlights how the Ottoman period (spanning several
,centuries until the early 20th century) has left a deep impact on the region's political, cultural,
social, and religious landscapes. The article emphasizes that the legacy of the Ottoman Empire
in this region is often interpreted in divergent ways, shaping national identities and historical
narratives in significant ways.
Key themes in Hajdarpasic’s reflections include:
Diverse Historical Narratives: Different countries and ethnic groups in Southeastern Europe (like
Serbs, Bulgarians, Greeks, Albanians, Bosnians, etc.) interpret the Ottoman period through
varying lenses. For some, the Ottomans are seen as foreign occupiers whose rule is
remembered with hostility, associated with subjugation and a loss of Christian identity. For
others, particularly in Bosnia and Albania, the Ottoman period is viewed more ambivalently or
even positively, especially in relation to the spread of Islam and the Ottoman system of
governance, which provided a degree of local autonomy.
Cultural and Religious Legacy: The Ottoman Empire introduced Islam to the Balkans, leaving an
enduring religious and cultural imprint. This is most evident in regions like Bosnia, Kosovo, and
Albania, where large Muslim populations remain. The Ottoman era also influenced architecture,
language, and legal traditions, contributing to the rich cultural diversity of the region. However,
this legacy is often a point of contention, especially in post-Ottoman national narratives that
frame it as a period of foreign domination.
Political and Social Structures: The Ottoman administrative system, including the millet system
(which allowed religious communities a degree of autonomy) and land management practices,
left a lasting influence on the social and political structures of Southeastern Europe. The millet
system, for example, helped maintain religious diversity under Ottoman rule, but also laid the
groundwork for nationalist movements by reinforcing religious and ethnic distinctions.
Memory and Nationalism: The article discusses how the memory of the Ottoman past has been
shaped by nationalist movements in the 19th and 20th centuries. Nationalist historians often
depicted the Ottoman period as a "dark age" of foreign oppression, a narrative that served to
galvanize anti-Ottoman sentiment and support for independence. Hajdarpasic points out that
these nationalistic interpretations often oversimplify the more complex, nuanced realities of life
under Ottoman rule.
Contemporary Reflections: In the post-Ottoman era, the legacy of the empire continues to be
relevant, particularly in the context of contemporary political and social tensions in the Balkans.
Ethnic and religious divisions, which were partly shaped by Ottoman policies, remain prominent.
Hajdarpasic suggests that understanding the Ottoman legacy is crucial for addressing current
issues in Southeastern Europe, as the region grapples with questions of identity,
multiculturalism, and historical memory.
In conclusion, Hajdarpasic’s article argues that the Ottoman legacy in Southeastern Europe
cannot be reduced to a single narrative. It is a deeply contested historical period that continues
, to shape the identities and politics of the region in significant and sometimes contradictory ways.
Understanding this legacy requires moving beyond nationalist myths and considering the
complexity of the Ottoman experience in the Balkans.
Leustean 2008 Orthodoxy and political myths in Balkan
national identities
In this article, Lucian Leustean explores the interplay between Orthodox Christianity and the
formation of national identities in the Balkans. He focuses on how Orthodoxy has been used to
construct and perpetuate political myths that have shaped national narratives, particularly in the
post-Ottoman era. Leustean argues that the Orthodox Church has played a central role in the
