ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 turns to the initial phase of the CCNR in Mainz. It develops the argument that the riparian representatives established a semi-diplomatic forum that was intended to protect the ‘common good.’ However, the concept of ‘common good’ was understood and defended in such conflicting ways that it almost heralded the end of this unprecedented experiment of international cooperation. Despite the enormous challenge, the riparian condominium eventually found common ground in its aversion to the threatening interference of the Great Powers that clung to the CCNR as a European prosperity project.
