Disarmament, neutrality and colonialism: Conflicting priorities in the Netherlands, 1921-1931

Abstract

Defence date: 24 November 2008Examining Board: Prof. Heinz-Gerhard Haupt (European University Institute) - supervisor Prof. Georges Dertilis (École des hautes études en sciences sociales) Prof. Kiran Patel (European University Institute) Prof. Henk te Velde (Universiteit Leiden)PDF of thesis uploaded from the Library digital archive of EUI PhD thesesThe decade after World War I saw the daring creation of the League of Nations: West European security had to be preserved through cooperation in transnational networks instead of through traditional multilateral expedients, and a new generation of diplomats had to enhance open diplomacy, push away the international, aristocratic elite, and democratize politics. Peace movements appeared on the international stage, and blew a fierce ideological wind over Europe. This hopeful change experienced its halcyon days around 1925-1928, when Europe as well as the Pacific encountered a true détente. This thesis deals with these changes in international security matters, incited by World War I and the subsequent creation of the League of Nations, and their consequences for Dutch foreign policy