European Integration in the Framework of a New Hexapolar O rder

Abstract

This article discusses the origins of the integration of Western Europe from the persp ective of security. Moreover, it analyses the advances and setbacks that have been observed in the framework of the unification of Western Europe and Eastern Europe after the Cold War. Although a considerable number of specialists considered that Europe wo uld become an integrated and stable continent and the problems that have traditionally fragmented the Old Continent would be resolved after the end of the East -West confrontation, until only recently, those hopes have not become a reality. On the contrary, Europe is fragmented and a large gap currently divides the two Europes, which could be seen in terms of economic, political and cultural development.