Russia’s war against Ukraine and the transformation of the Euro-Atlantic Security Architecture

Abstract

Abstract This article attempts to contribute to the debate on the reasons for the inability of the US and its allies to prevent Russia from destroying the Euro ‑Atlantic security architecture by a full ‑scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as to the discussion of scenarios to strengthen the Euro-Atlantic community in the frame of preparation for the new post-war political landscape and reality. Based on a critical analysis of existing research, it is argued that despite the diversity of views of scholars and the still unpredictable outcome of the war in Ukraine, today it is possible to formulate some theses on the main directions of the European order transformation. These include enhancing the unity of the collective West, awakening Europe in the security and defense dimensions, strengthening and expanding NATO, increasing the US presence in the European region and ‘the end of the history’ of Russia’s return to the League of Superpowers. At the same time, the following issues remain controversial: the relations between Russian aggression and the US ‑NATO strategy after the Cold War, the prospects of the United States maintaining the leading role in ensuring European security given the war ‑induced increase in Europe’s defence capabilities, and Ukraine’s future European and Euro ‑Atlantic integration.