The reformation was not the origin of cultural divergence in Europe

Out of a fully assumed disrespect for any conventional division of work in universities, this research maps North-South discrepansies and shows the Lutheran Reformation of 1517 as a major moment but not the origin of cultural divergence in Europe. Reaching back into Classical ethnography and forward into contemporary policy questions, this research focuses on mental software; on those cultural gaps that may impact negotiations, international cooperation and common decision-making.

The purpose is not to deliver a negotiation manual, rather what precedes it: achieving a better understanding of the challenges to the European integration project out of a recognition of fundamental cultural contrasts, dating way back beyond the emergence of Nation-States, and of the Reformation.

The research is presented in DIIS working papers and conference contributions on North-South cultural conflicts in Europe.