The question of Neutrality and Belgium's security Dilemma during the first World War. The search for a Politically Acceptable Solution

In order to explain how the Belgians coped with their security dilemma after war broke out in 1914, this article addresses two related questions. First, why did the Belgian government-in-exile finally adopt the position on neutrality that it did by 1918? Second, and most importantly: Why can it be argued that, despite the Belgian government's ap- parent hostility to neutrality after 1914, its actions during the war demonstrated a reluctance to become entangled in agreements that would hamper the country's freedom and serve to exacerbate the nation's internal divisions?

To quote: Michael F. Palo, The question of Neutrality and Belgium's security Dilemma during the first World War. The search for a Politically Acceptable Solution, Belgisch Tijdschrift voor Nieuwste Geschiedenis 2000 1-2, pp. .