The air in this great room, echoing with the voices of diplomats and statesmen a century ago, carries a weight – a tangible sense of responsibility. Today, we commemorate the signing of the Locarno Treaties, a moment of audacious optimism in a world scarred by the Great War. It’s a moment that demands reflection, not just on the specific agreements, but on the enduring principles they represent: diplomacy, collective security, and the power of shared purpose. The event itself—the film row, the competing narratives—reveals the inherent tensions in international relations and the challenges of building trust and maintaining consensus. This is particularly relevant now, as we confront an era of unprecedented global instability, characterized by rising geopolitical competition and increasingly complex security threats. This article explores the lasting significance of the Locarno legacy, examining its evolution and relevance, in a world demonstrably different from the one that birthed the spirit of Locarno, and outlining some of the contemporary challenges and opportunities for a coordinated international response.
The initial scene—the frenzied scramble for exclusive filming rights—is a vivid snapshot of the early 20th century’s media landscape and the inherent political pressures surrounding international events. The British media’s outrage at the Foreign Office’s intervention demonstrates the fundamental tensions between diplomatic protocol and the demands of public opinion. It’s a reminder that even the most carefully crafted agreements can be undermined by short-sighted political maneuvering. As the award speech at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony noted, “If we are to appreciate fully what these statesmen accomplished, we must not overlook the violent nationalistic opposition in their own countries which several of them had to overcome to push through the peace programme.” This acknowledges that even the most groundbreaking initiatives require persistent and often difficult domestic support – a lesson often overlooked in today’s polarized political environments. The sheer number of people—including Lieutenant Eric Henn—who tragically lost their lives in the Great War serves as a potent reminder of the stakes involved in any effort to prevent conflict.
The Locarno Treaties, formally known as the Agreements Relative to Franco-German Relations, were designed to guarantee the borders of newly created nations—Czechoslovakia and Romania—following the war. The core of the treaties included the renunciation of territorial claims by Germany, the guarantee of Czechoslovakian and Romanian sovereignty by Britain, France, and Italy, and the establishment of a joint Franco-German commission to resolve any future border disputes. Key stakeholders included Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Romania. Germany, under Chancellor Gustav Stresemann, sought to reassure the West and secure its position in the post-war order. Britain, driven by a desire to maintain stability in Europe and prevent a resurgent Germany, played a crucial role in mediating the agreement. France, though initially skeptical, ultimately joined the pact to ensure German cooperation in the League of Nations. Italy, eager to assert its influence in the Balkans, also signed on, though its commitment proved somewhat fickle. Czechoslovakia, heavily reliant on British support, was the primary beneficiary of the guarantees. Romania, seeking security in the face of Soviet expansionism, also joined the alliance.
The success of the Locarno Treaties was predicated on the belief that a system of collective security—where disputes were resolved through diplomacy rather than military force—could prevent another devastating war. However, this vision ultimately proved short-lived. The treaties lacked robust enforcement mechanisms, and the signatory nations were plagued by internal political divisions. Furthermore, the absence of the United States—which refused to join the League of Nations—weakened the collective security framework. The treaties also faced criticism for their limitations, particularly regarding the protection of Poland and Czechoslovakia’s sovereignty. As argued by historian Robert Tombs, “The treaties were ultimately a product of a moment of exhausted optimism – a system of guarantees designed to manage the inevitable tensions between the great powers, rather than a fundamental reshaping of the European order.”
The spirit of Locarno—characterized by a willingness to compromise, a commitment to multilateralism, and a recognition of shared interests—remains profoundly relevant today. While the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically since 1925, the challenges we face—from Russian aggression in Ukraine to cyber warfare and the rise of non-state actors—demand a similar approach. The current conflict in Ukraine provides a stark illustration of the consequences of unilateral action and the importance of international cooperation. President Zelenskyy’s efforts to secure a ceasefire and a just resolution to the conflict highlight the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and a commitment to upholding international law. As President Trump has repeatedly attempted to broker a ceasefire, and supported by allies like Poland, this showcases the importance of a united front – and the necessity of respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Several factors are shaping the present security environment, fundamentally altering the context of the Locarno legacy. First, the nature of security threats has evolved dramatically. In 1925, the primary concern was the potential for large-scale military conflict between European powers. Today, we face a far more complex and multifaceted array of threats, including cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, terrorism, and the proliferation of advanced weapons technologies. These “hybrid threats”—which combine conventional and unconventional tactics—are often characterized by ambiguity, deception, and the blurring of lines between state and non-state actors. As observed by former US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, “Today’s threats are not always military, and are often deployed by sophisticated state actors who seek to undermine democratic institutions, sow discord, and exploit vulnerabilities.” This reflects a shift towards non-kinetic warfare, and underscores the need for intelligence gathering, cyber security, and countering disinformation campaigns.
Second, the nature of partnerships and multilateralism has changed. In 1925, the League of Nations was the primary forum for international cooperation. Today, however, the international system is characterized by fragmentation and great power competition. The rise of China, the resurgence of Russia, and the erosion of US leadership have created a more volatile and unpredictable geopolitical environment. The Locarno spirit, however, calls for a renewed commitment to multilateralism—but one that is more agile, adaptable, and focused on addressing specific challenges. The ongoing efforts to address climate change, combat pandemics, and prevent nuclear proliferation demonstrate the importance of collective action. Furthermore, new partnerships are emerging—such as the Quad (US, Japan, Australia, India)—that reflect a shift towards regional security architectures. As the award speech at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony stated, “If we are to appreciate fully what these statesmen accomplished, we must not overlook the violent nationalistic opposition in their own countries which several of them had to overcome to push through the peace programme.”
Looking forward, the lessons of Locarno—and the spirit of compromise, multilateralism, and shared responsibility—remain as important as ever. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the vital need for international solidarity and a commitment to upholding the rules-based international order. While the challenges we face are immense, the potential rewards of collective action are even greater. The world needs a renewed emphasis on diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation to prevent conflicts, promote stability, and address global challenges. To reiterate Doctor Stresemann’s words, “One fact has emerged, namely that we are bound to one another by a single and a common fate. If we go down, we go down together; if we are to reach the heights, we do so not by conflict but by common effort.” It’s a challenge that demands a return to the fundamental principles that underpinned the Locarno Treaties—a commitment to building a more secure and peaceful world, together.