André DeBattista

The election of Robert Francis Prevost to the See of Rome seemed to have taken most observers by surprise, confirming the old Roman saying: “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.” As Prevost emerged on the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, all eyes were on him and his every move. Much has been written about the choice of the name Leo XIV.

1. The Idea of Europe in Context Chabod (1961, pp. 19–20) contends that Europe is not merely a geographical idea but also one which is influenced by politics, culture, and morality, so much so that it contributed to the creation of a distinct way of thinking and acting; of political and philosophical systems and of “traditions, memories and hopes”.

War between Russia and Ukraine broke out on 24 February 2022. Since then, most of the commentary has focused primarily on geopolitical and economic issues. This paper seeks to bring to the debate the dimensions of history, culture and identity. It argues that these remain crucial to understanding this war and central to the EU as it formulates a way forward.