Conflict and Cooperation: The Analysis of the Historical Factors of European Integration in East Europe Since 1990s

United World College Changshu China, No.88 Kunchenghuxi Road, Changshu, China

^* Corresponding author: yhlin23@uwcchina.org

Abstract

This essay mainly discusses the impact of social changes in East Europe, such as political liberalization and ideological shifts, and the causes of the current situation. The conflict between pro European and anti-European factions is significant in the challenging European integration process. This caused the appearance of the Right-Wing populism political parties and their radical economic policies, which mainly opposition to European integration, including focusing on the domestic market and employment, anti-immigration, and opposition to economic integration, such as exclusion from the European market. Also, geopolitical factors, such as the fear of Russian influence due to a kind of stereotype, contributed to the complex situation. This led to comprehensive pro-Western policies in some Eastern European countries. The Russian-Ukraine war happening now is seen as a significant example of the pro-Europeanism and anti-Europeanism conflict. The author concludes that the current situation in Eastern Europe results from these complex factors and their interactions.