Fragile Balance. Four Centuries of Struggle for Dominance in Europe

How could the history of Europe have changed if the balance of power between its states had been different? Who were the key players in the battles for power in the region? What strategies and manipulations did they use to maintain their dominance? Ludwig Dehijo presents a profound analysis of four hundred years of struggle for supremacy, starting from the era of Charles V of Habsburg and ending in the 20th century. The focus of his research is the struggle of the Netherlands and Great Britain against the emergence of a strong continental power in Europe; hence the traditional policy of the Dutch and Anglo-Saxons of pitting European powers against each other. The author studies the dynamics of state rivalry, showing how the Ottoman Empire, and later Russia, influenced the processes taking place. The publication also highlights the search for compromises that allowed for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. This book is addressed both to specialists and to a wide audience interested in the history of Europe, diplomacy, and international politics.