Local Experiences in Volkel: The U.S. Base Network through the Eyes of Those Directly Affected

Abstract

Geir Lundestad famously referred to the existence of U.S. bases in Western Europe as “Empire by Invitation” , but is this really true? Has there been little resistance to the presence of bases and American military personnel? How has the local community around Volkel Airbase, one of the largest airbases in the Netherlands, experienced the American presence? This thesis will focus on the local experience, an often-overlooked aspect of the U.S. base network, which is often researched from the national level, rather than the local level. Through interviews, this thesis will provide a more in-depth look into the personal experiences of members of the local community around Volkel Airbase.