Curtains of Iron and Gold

This book provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving political, economic, and mental borders in post-Cold War Europe, particularly in the context of the former East-West divide.

First published in 1999, Curtains of Iron and Gold explores the intricate construction of political, economic, and mental borders in post-Cold War Europe. The book delves into various national and regional contexts, analyzing the remnants of the old East-West divide. While the clear-cut Iron Curtain that once separated two distinct security blocs has disappeared, the underlying politico-cultural differences and economic disparities persist, manifesting as what the author terms the 'Golden Curtain.'

As the landscape of Europe continues to evolve, a more complex system of overlapping borders emerges. This transformation is examined through the lens of specialists from both sides of the former divide, who provide insights into how these new borders shape national, regional, and local experiences. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding these interactions at various scales, highlighting the unique experiences that arise from the reconfiguration of borders.

In Curtains of Iron and Gold, the future of European borders is contemplated across diverse settings, ranging from the Barents Region in the North to the historical territories of the Old Habsburgian lands in ‘Mitteleuropa.’ The analysis offers a comprehensive view of how borders are not merely physical constructs but also deeply embedded in the socio-political fabric of Europe, shaping identities and interactions in profound ways.