Russia is intent on attacking beyond Ukraine. Can Europe defend itself?
While Ukraine holds back Russia's onslaught, Moscow has been working hard at rebuilding its army for the next invasion. But for the past 30 years, Britain and Europe have been running down their armed forces and defence industries, thinking that war would never come. Most of the continent banked an increasingly illusory 'peace dividend' while outsourcing defence to the United States.
Now, change in the US and clear intent from the Kremlin have set Europe scrambling to rebuild its defences. But will it be enough, and can it be in time?
In this urgent, vital book, Keir Giles lays out the stark choices facing leaders and societies as they confront the return of war in Europe. If the freedom and prosperity that the continent takes for granted are to be preserved, the sacrifices required will affect everyone, without exception. Above all, Giles calls for new leadership in defence of Europe as the US steps aside and warns that the UK's brief opportunity to set the pace has already been squandered.
'A blistering account of our defence shortcomings.' The Times
'[Giles] elegantly weaves together isolationism in the United States, failures of Europe's leadership, and the collective naivete of the West in understanding the imperialist threat of Putin's Russia.' Foreign Policy
'A powerful warning.' iNews
'A well-written book, offering detailed insights and perspectives on the gravity of Europe's security situation, which will have spillover effects worldwide.' The Strategist
'Timely and excellent.' Australian Financial Review
'[Giles] has some excellent points to make.' Naval Review
'Keir Giles has been warning us for many years of Russia's determination to re-arm, remilitarise and rebuild an empire. Now he offers a stark warning for Europe and the world: the only alternative to planning for a war is planning to lose it.' Anne Applebaum
'A powerful and urgent analysis of Europe's looming security challenges this book is a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the future of the continent.' Eliot Higgins, Director, Founder of Bellingcat
'Russia's intent can no longer be denied but as Keir Giles explains in chilling detail, Europe's defences are lagging behind the threat. This book is a vital call to action to preserve the way of life Europe takes for granted, before it is too late.' Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former president of Estonia
'A forcefully argued, often bitingly vehement attack on the state of European security policy in the wake of Russia's expanded invasion of Ukraine.' Diplomatic Courier
'Keir Giles presents the reader with a disturbing catalogue of Europe's weaknesses, and how Russia is planning to exploit them. As regards Europe and the West in general, Russia is a hostile actor, has always been, and will always be, and collectively, Europe should expect that Russia will exploit to the fullest, not just the vulnerabilities it can create, but the vulnerabilities Europe has created for itself.' Gen John R. Allen, US Marine Corps (Ret), former commander NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
