I have the privilege to introduce Europe and European business to firms and people from afar. This is to share some techniques that make that introduction worthwhile and insightful.

It’s stimulating to strike themes and issues that matter in a lasting way, more so than institutional structure or public policies. History is a good avenue for discussion when introducing newcomers—whether from China, Australia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Brazil, or the USA—to the European Union. The history in question is within human memory; some of thiose who lived it are alive today.

Here are three themes for discussion.

1. Postwar: The starting point when discussing contemporary Europe is 8 May 1945. The Second World War cost Europe dearly, especially in civilian casualties. A few graphs, photos, and memoirs make this point vividly. The challenge is to recall the human and material consequences of the Second World War, without dwelling on the details of the war years.

2. A necessary economic reconstruction: The shift to peacetime began with taking stock of destruction and realization of the weighty task of normalization. At the time, centrally planned economies and nationalization were leading tools, accepted and used as a matter of course. Of course, both seem odd today. Economic reconstruction permits discussion about colonies and also enables discussion and debate on the Marshall Plan.

3. An emerging cold war: Postwar Europe was built (or rebuilt) under a shadow or cloud. Especially for those under 30, the cold war is receding quickly into history. The European Union began as a project among countries in the west. It occurred in the context of an ongoing military presence, long after hostilities ceased. An English-language history of the postwar period, as viewed from the east, would be helpful.