THE HEART OF EUROPE: THE PAST AND PRESENT OF CENTRAL EUROPEAN STATES.

Central Europe has historically been considered the “heart of Europe,” both geographically and politically. Situated between East and West, the region has served as a bridge of cultures, economies, and political systems throughout centuries. From the legacy of the Roman Empire to the influence of the Habsburg Monarchy, from the devastations of the two World Wars to the Soviet domination and the eventual integration into the European Union and NATO, Central European states have played a decisive role in shaping the continent’s history. This article provides a comprehensive historical and contemporary analysis of Central Europe as a region of contest, coexistence, and cooperation.