The European Union was impotent in the face of crisis, while Britain remained agile.
In a lecture delivered in Vienna on 24th June 2024, Maurice Glasman reflects on the dramatic geopolitical shifts triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022. Lenin’s famous words, “there are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen,” perfectly encapsulate the momentous consequences of this event, which fundamentally altered Europe’s balance of power.
The invasion quickly destabilized traditional power structures within the European Union. France and Germany, historically the driving forces of European unity and strength, saw their influence wane almost overnight. In contrast, Poland and Britain emerged as central figures, assuming more prominent roles in the response to the crisis. The Baltic and Scandinavian countries, previously peripheral players, found themselves aligning with this new coalition, further eroding Germany’s position within northern Europe.
Southern Europe, traditionally more skeptical of confrontation with Russia, found itself sidelined in the face of this rapidly changing political landscape. Countries like Italy and Spain, which had long been part of Europe’s southern bloc, struggled to adapt to the heightened urgency of the crisis, their voices growing more subdued as northern and eastern European nations took center stage in shaping policy.
This realignment exposed the European Union’s impotence in the face of a major international crisis. The EU, long considered a stabilizing force on the continent, was unable to effectively counter the Russian threat. Its internal divisions and hesitance left it vulnerable, while Britain, outside the EU, moved decisively in response to the aggression, showcasing its agility in international diplomacy.
The situation highlighted a growing rift within Europe itself, as the response to the Ukrainian crisis split the continent along new lines. The traditional Franco-German axis, which had been the backbone of EU decision-making, faltered, and the balance of power within Europe began to shift in favor of countries with a more assertive stance toward Russia and its expansionist ambitions.
Ultimately, the invasion of Ukraine marked the beginning of a new era in European politics. It shattered the old balance of power, highlighting the EU’s vulnerabilities and prompting a reevaluation of its role in global security. The response to Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty will shape the future of European unity, alliances, and global influence for years to come.
