During this past summer, we dedicated ourselves to an intensive month-long exploration in France and Germany, immersing ourselves in visiting museums and documentation centers, exploring battlefields, bunkers, trenches and meeting people affected by World War I, World War II, the Cold War up until the present day. Something became incredibly striking to us: there was an evident interconnection of everything, revealing a cyclical pattern where causes stretch far back in time, some argue spanning centuries. Present-day tensions and even conflicts seemed undeniably linked to events from the 20th century and further into the past. It was obvious to us that the youth of today cannot reasonably form a comprehensive conclusion on how to shape their lives, establish their values, or decide on what to defend, without understanding this crucial historical period, especially in the context of the conflicts of today.

Not only do the wars stand out, but also the impressive and unprecedented period of 70 years of peace in Western Europe. While the adage “history repeats itself” is true, grasping that war is always with us is not enough. We must actively guard against the radicalism and divisiveness that perpetuate this ugly story. Moreover, and more importantly, it is critical to examine and sustain the principles and cooperation that facilitate this incredible period of peace.

Throughout the tumultuous conflicts that defined the past century, numerous nations across Europe and the globe found themselves embroiled in the upheavals of war. Amidst this complex tapestry of historical events, we have deliberately chosen two...