![]() ![]() There appeared to be a once-in-a-lifetime unity and coherence among Europeans in support of economic sanctions against Moscow, a renewed appetite for military and defence, advocacy for an exceptional humanitarian and refugee policy (at least within the EU), as well as unprecedented solidarity toward the Ukrainian people. ![]() Suddenly, with Moscow’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, the European public and political leaders became emboldened and united in condemning Russia’s belligerent behaviour. The Kremlin’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression on Februchanged this. While Moscow’s invasion of Crimea and Donbass back in 2014 was a first opportunity for Europeans to confront Russia, there was generally an apathetic attitude towards Moscow (with the exception of some European countries) and by and large, Europeans underrated President Putin’s threats and the build-up of Russian military power near European borders. Today, we see a similar political and societal behavioural change in Europe. Kennedy in his book Why England Slept (1940), epitomises a sudden change in behaviour within British society and international affairs towards Adolf Hitler’s threats of war – from appeasement to confrontation. “After Munich, we saw the situation was changed, the country became united, the people voluntarily joined the various defence societies, the private groups and rights relinquished their rights.” This quote, written by former US President John F. ![]()
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