Abstract
This book presents a unique view of the spatial differentiation of Europe. Conceptually, it is based on a central hypothesis of Europe’s long-term and historic division into two parts, hence the use of the term duality.
The notion of Europe as a space divided into two sub-regions became prevalent after World War II: free-market and democratic West vs. socialistic and totalitarian East. With 1989 it did not come to its end, only is transformed into a different basis and division into West and East in Europe still remains well-founded.
The roots of European duality, however, reach much further into the past and their effects can still be observed in a wide variety of phenomena and aspects. The book examines this issue through the analysis of the long-term development, whereby it seeks deeper continuity and causes for the current state of affairs.