Is Europe at War?

For this seventh edition of the Rendez-vous d’Histoire de Bastogne, we have chosen to examine this question more closely: are we living in a new version of the 1930s, as some claim? Or does the current configuration of the international order—if that expression still holds meaning—and the very definition of contemporary warfare render such comparisons ineffective? Ultimately, what do we mean by “war” today?

Throughout history, armed conflicts have reflected technological developments—the famous dialectic of projectile and armour—but also the social and ideological evolutions of the societies engaged in them. So, what are the defining characteristics of armed conflicts in the 21st century? To summarise them broadly: the persistence of archaic human passions, combined with unprecedented forms and radically new means.

As always, the topic is far too vast to be exhausted in a single day of discussions. That is not the goal. Our ambition is to establish key reference points, offer avenues for reflection, and spark enough curiosity in our audience to encourage them to explore further.

With: Clément BEAUNE - Daniel COHN-BENDIT - Michel DUCLOS - Kurt ENGELEN - Michel FOUCHER - Alain FRACHON - Benoît LUTGEN - Jean-Paul MARTHOZ - Aude MERLIN - Julien NOCETTI - Edwy PLENEL

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