A European doctrine for the 21st century

By Angelos Chaniotis, Professor in the School of Historical Studies:

"The war in Ukraine has brought ghosts of the 20th century hovering over Europe: the leveling of cities by Russia, millions of Ukrainian refugees, the mass exodus of Russian dissidents to neighboring countries, the armaments race, and the risk of nuclear conflagration. These ghosts are driven by an idea that has haunted Europe since World Wars I and II: the idea of vital space. Although the term “Lebensraum” associated with Hitler is not used, Russia’s attack on Ukraine is explained – and justified by some – as a natural reaction to the West’s penetration in countries that for decades were considered to be in the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union and, after its collapse, Russia."