Frank Jackson considers alternative histories in which a European Union was created post-1918 and Yugoslavia was a member state; Harry Eyres says the EU, not the second world war, ended dictatorships in western EuropeJohn Rigby (Letters, 3 August) challenges the view that the EU and its predecessors have been responsible for maintaining peace in Europe since 1945. Compare the aftermath of the first world war – “the war to end all wars” – and consider how differently that might have developed had something similar to the EU been created post-1918. Frank JacksonHarlow, Essex• Jeremy Paul Dixon (Letters, 3 August) is incorrect when he states that the second world war “ended the west-European dictatorships”. By joining the EU all three countries made a commitment not to return to authoritarian rule. Harry EyresLondon• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

Source: The Guardian August 08, 2017 17:37 UTC