What are the fundamental cultural and historical characteristics that define the disparate nations of Europe, and can these distinct identities be reconciled into a singular, unified political entity? Luigi Barzini, a veteran journalist and scholar, utilizes his deep familiarity with European history and social mores to analyze the national characters of the major powers. He argues that the historical baggage and deeply ingrained psychological traits of these nations pose significant, often overlooked, obstacles to the realization of a truly integrated European foreign policy.

Critics and historians often cite this work as a perceptive, if somewhat subjective, exploration of the European psyche. Readers frequently note the accessible, journalistic style that balances academic insight with anecdotal observation, making it a standard reference for those interested in the cultural foundations of European politics.