Who Will Defend Europe?

Who Will Defend Europe? by Keir Giles explores the pressing issue of European security in the face of potential Russian aggression. While Ukraine continues to resist Russia's advances, Moscow is busy reconstructing its military forces for future offensives. For the past three decades, both Britain and Europe have reduced their armed forces and defence industries, with the confidence that war was a thing of the past. Most of the continent relied on an increasingly uncertain 'peace dividend', effectively delegating defence responsibilities to the United States.

Now, with changes in the US and clear signs of intent from the Kremlin, Europe is urgently working to rebuild its defences. The pressing question remains: will it be sufficient, and can it be achieved in time?

In this compelling and critical analysis, Keir Giles outlines the stark choices facing leaders and citizens as they encounter the resurgence of war in Europe. To preserve the continent's cherished freedom and prosperity, sacrifices are inevitable and will touch everyone without exception. Above all, Giles advocates for emerging leadership in the defence of Europe, as the US withdraws from its traditional role, and cautions that the UK's short-lived opportunity to lead has already been missed.

'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 naivety 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)