ANALYSIS OF THE SECURITY SITUATION ON THE EUROPEAN CONTINENT IN THE CONTEXT OF UNCERTAINTY OF THE MAIN GEOPOLITICAL ACTORS

Abstract

By analyzing the security situation in Europe through methods of comparison, classification, and real-time assessment, and relying on statistical and factual data, this article identifies the dominant challenges and threats currently affecting the effectiveness of defense and security strategies across European countries.Furthermore, the instability of the European security environment is exacerbated by the transition of presidential power in the United States and the uncertainty surrounding the policies of Donald Trump’s administration regarding Euro-Atlantic cooperation and NATO, as well as by the still ambiguous extent to which the Americanpresident “understands Russia” and, consequently, his role in either containing the aggressor state or, conversely,in deepening the “understanding” of Russian neo-imperialism, rashism, and the disregard of war crimes.It is argued that European security, under the conditions of deglobalization, is under pressure from the new challenges and threats posed by Russian aggression against Ukraine and the uncertainty surrounding its cessation or potential escalation (up to the possibility of Russian aggression against NATO member states). This uncertainty is compounded by the emergence of modern authoritarian and particularistic practices, the cooperation of undemocratic regimes, and their ambition to engage the “collective West” in a zero-sum game. Additionally, the rise of nationalist values at the expense of universal human ones, and what may be the “last chance” for Europe and the entire geopolitical West to preserve their democratic credibility, are of particular concern.