‘Britain’ and ‘Europe’: an exploration of conceptual confusions

Abstract

Abstract The data on which this paper is based comes from an international study of ‘Perceptions of Europe’ sponsored in 1990 by the Polish Association for the Club of Rome in Warsaw. In all, twelve countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, North and South America, Europe, and Australia participated. The catalyst for the study was provided by the massive paradigm shift in political realities within Europe over the previous few years; a shift resulting in ideological realignments, rapidly changing power relations, and increases in ‘ethnic’ tensions and conflict on an unprecedented scale. Stemming from these changes arose the question as to the precise nature of this ‘new’ Europe. Given historical realities and contemporary power relations, one might wish to ask for example how this collectivity of disparate states will evolve by the eve of the twenty‐first century. And, how might this ‘Europe’ relate to the rest of the world? These questions were to be approached by a study of ‘perceptions'; in particula...