The Dream of Europe

More about the book

In 1999, Geert Mak spent a year exploring Europe to define the continent on the brink of a new millennium. His work, Great Expectations, examines the first two tumultuous decades of the 21st century, addressing the rocky EU expansion into Eastern Europe, the rise of Putin, the aftermath of 9/11, terrorist attacks, the Mediterranean migrant crisis, the 2008 financial crash, the ascent of right-wing populism, and Brexit. Mak captures the climate and mood at the century's turn, reflecting on the initial optimism that faded within the European project. As a keen observer, he seeks to understand how significant political and cultural shifts impact everyday lives. The narrative begins in Kirkenes, a small Norwegian city near the Russian border, described as 'the hub of the European periphery.' Here, local life intertwines with geopolitical tensions, featuring unique culinary offerings and the presence of Russian submarines. The melting polar ice draws global attention, with Chinese investors eyeing future Arctic trade routes. Through such stories, Mak provides a captivating perspective on a lesser-known but vital trading town, fostering a sense of global understanding that transcends typical news narratives.