Who Will Defend Europe? An Awakened Russia and a Sleeping Continent - Keir Giles

Keir Giles’s new book – “Who Will Defend Europe? An Awakened Russia and a Sleeping Continent” – was published by Hurst in late October. With the US Presidential Election taking place on 5th November, its publication could not be more timely. We are delighted that Keir Giles has agreed to talk to us on the critical question posed in his book: “Who will defend Europe?”.For almost three years Ukraine has been the front line of Europe, protecting us all. However, if following the US Presidential Election the US steps away from support for Ukraine and the defence of Europe, some stark choices will then face leaders and societies in Europe. Should Britain and Europe increase their military and financial support for Ukraine? Should Britain (with its hollowed out and still shrinking Armed Forces) and Europe do more to ensure their own defence?

In his talk Keir Giles explains what Putin’s plans for Europe mean for us – and how the front-line states have been preparing to be the next line of our defence. He will discuss what the US Presidential Election result means for the UK, and what must be done to safeguard our future against potential attack from a newly aggressive and expansionist Russia. Keir Giles will also point out how the West’s unwillingness to confront Russia in the past has nurtured the threat, and that Putin’s ambition puts the whole Continent at risk. He will assess the role and deficiencies of NATO as a guarantor of hard security, and whether the EU or coalitions of the willing can fill the gap. Finally, in the event that the US does step away from the defence of Europe,