1989 is interpreted as the end of a particular region, Atlantic Europe. This position is derived from a theoretical argument centred on the concept of historical region and drawing on ideas from world-systems analysis and modern social theory. An historical region is defined in space and time; it is constituted of both place and period. The theory is briefly illustrated by different space-time definitions of Europe and then the rise and demise of the most recent ‘Europe’, Atlantic Europe made up of the noncommunist countries of Europe during the Cold War, are considered.
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