Splitting Europe: The EU, Russia, and the West

Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, Europe is facing a new Cold War, with Russia-Western relations being more dangerous than ever. EU Europe is divided, with Brexit and clashes within. The Western security framework and NATO are breaking down, with Turkey purchasing Russian weapon systems and seeking strategic relations in Eurasia. This book aims to address and explore these historical problems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Europe today finds itself in a state of profound division, marking a significant shift from the celebratory atmosphere that followed the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Berlin Wall thirty years ago. The once-fragile relationship between Russia and the West has reached a perilous stage, with tensions and hostilities escalating to levels not seen since the Cuban missile crisis. Diplomatic ties have frozen, sanctions have been imposed, and old arms control treaties have been abandoned. In addition, the development of new nuclear weapons and carriers has further heightened the sense of urgency.

Within the European Union (EU), divisions are also evident. Brexit, which marked the United Kingdom's departure from the Union, has been followed by clashes within the EU itself. From the violent clashes between yellow vests protesters and police in Paris to the rise of populist movements across the continent, there is a growing sense of discontent and frustration among many citizens. The Visegrad countries (Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic), which have traditionally been close allies of the EU core (Brussels and the France-Germany axis), have frequently found themselves at odds with the EU over various issues, leading to discussions of potential sanctions.

The Western security framework, anchored by NATO, is also showing signs of strain. Turkey, a NATO member with the second-largest military in the organization, has been purchasing Russian weapon systems and seeking strategic relations in Eurasia, raising concerns about the alliance's cohesion and balance of power.

The post-Cold War dream of European integration and security order has faced significant challenges. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War led to hopes of a unified and prosperous Europe. However, the subsequent years have been marked by political and economic instability, as well as the rise of nationalist and populist movements that challenge the principles of European unity and cooperation.

To understand how we have arrived at this point, it is essential to examine the critical processes and events that have shaped the current geopolitical landscape. This book aims to address and explore these historical problems, providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors that have contributed to Europe's current state of division and uncertainty.

The book will begin by examining the historical roots of the Cold War and its impact on Europe. It will explore the ideological and geopolitical tensions that led to the division of the continent and the emergence of two distinct power blocs: the United States and the Soviet Union. The book will also examine the role of NATO in shaping the post-Cold War security order and the challenges it has faced in the years since the end of the Cold War.

The book will then turn to the post-Cold War era and the emergence of new challenges and opportunities. It will explore the rise of globalization, the expansion of the EU, and the challenges posed by the rise war, terrorism, and the refugee crisis. The book will also examine the role of the United States and other global powers in shaping the post-Cold War world order and the impact of their policies on Europe.

In conclusion, Europe today is facing a period of profound division and uncertainty. The relationship between Russia and the West has reached a critical stage, with tensions and hostilities escalating to levels not seen since the Cuban missile crisis. Within the EU, divisions are also evident, with Brexit marking the first real break-away from the Union and clashes within the EU over various issues. The Western security framework and NATO itself are showing signs of strain, with Turkey's purchase of Russian weapon systems and seeking strategic relations in Eurasia raising concerns about the alliance's cohesion and balance of power.

To understand how we have arrived at this point, it is essential to examine the critical processes and events that have shaped the current geopolitical landscape. This book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these historical problems, offering insights into the factors that have contributed to Europe's current state of division and uncertainty. By exploring the historical roots of the Cold War, the post-Cold War era, and the challenges and opportunities that have emerged, this book seeks to provide a roadmap for navigating the complex and interconnected world we live in today.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 230 x 153 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538150818