Europe and what lies beyond. In response to Alison E. Woodward

Abstract

Margit van der Steen comments on Alison Woodward’s article “Travels, triangles and transformations”. Woodward’s reflections, she argues, would benefit from defining concepts more precisely. She also argues for a more in-depth analysis of the historical and political situation in which the triangle in the EU originated. Especially the early activities of the United Nations should be taken into consideration, as well as the fall of the Iron Curtain and the subsequent introduction of Eastern European countries into the EU. Finally, it can be questioned whether the policy makers during the velvet triangle ‘years’ were the most successful generation of officers.