The 20s: An Era of Illusion?
Having stumbled upon a new website with multiple historical and international relations theory articles, I had to promote it. Known as e-IR, this looks to be an excellent resource.
This particular piece is a book review and makes a compelling case that the 1920s were a time of illusion. Here are the significant quotes,
"The 1920s was a difficult era for many involved whether members of the public or of government. Keylor argues that there was an illusion of “Western prosperity” hiding the truth of instability and crises[53]. However, societies throughout the world were trying to move on from the horrors that had been witnessed a few years previously in World War One and this is important to remember when considering anything relating to this period. With hindsight, Keylor is correct to claim that this was in fact an “era of illusion” when the term ‘illusion’ is taken to mean either of the two previously mentioned definitions. However, every diplomat involved in any of the conferences and negotiations at this time were looking after their own interest and that of their respective country rather than looking at the consequences of proposed actions on a larger scale. Maybe this was because psychologically it was more appealing to focus on the positive developments closer to home than acknowledging the negative implications in other countries. Perhaps then, a more accurate description of the 1920s would be an ‘era of ignorance."
This time period should be remembered well as an example of what happens when policy and views are shaped by over parochial interests neglectful of larger impacts.
I believe strongly in national interests and their full throated pursuit, but, it is essential to perceive the ramifications of their pursuit so as to not be shocked when certain possibilities in fact do transpire.
This particular piece is a book review and makes a compelling case that the 1920s were a time of illusion. Here are the significant quotes,
"The 1920s was a difficult era for many involved whether members of the public or of government. Keylor argues that there was an illusion of “Western prosperity” hiding the truth of instability and crises[53]. However, societies throughout the world were trying to move on from the horrors that had been witnessed a few years previously in World War One and this is important to remember when considering anything relating to this period. With hindsight, Keylor is correct to claim that this was in fact an “era of illusion” when the term ‘illusion’ is taken to mean either of the two previously mentioned definitions. However, every diplomat involved in any of the conferences and negotiations at this time were looking after their own interest and that of their respective country rather than looking at the consequences of proposed actions on a larger scale. Maybe this was because psychologically it was more appealing to focus on the positive developments closer to home than acknowledging the negative implications in other countries. Perhaps then, a more accurate description of the 1920s would be an ‘era of ignorance."
This time period should be remembered well as an example of what happens when policy and views are shaped by over parochial interests neglectful of larger impacts.
I believe strongly in national interests and their full throated pursuit, but, it is essential to perceive the ramifications of their pursuit so as to not be shocked when certain possibilities in fact do transpire.
Comments