Janne Haaland Matlary is a Professor of International Politics whose work delves into the intricate dynamics of global affairs. Her scholarship emphasizes the ethical and philosophical dimensions underpinning international relations and security policy. She offers readers a profound exploration of the complexities shaping our world stage.
Focusing on the challenges posed by military provocation, mass migration, and terrorism, the book evaluates the capacity of European leaders to employ hard power solutions. It highlights significant events, such as Russia's annexation of Crimea and Europe's refugee crisis, while questioning the strategic thinking of British, French, and German governments. The analysis extends to NATO and the EU, assessing their effectiveness in addressing these pressing issues and whether European politicians can adapt to the demands of hard power in contemporary geopolitics.
This book is the first full-spectrum analysis of Russian and European norms of political action, ranging from international law, ethics, and strategy, to the specific norms for the use of force. It brings together leading scholars from these various fields, examining the differences in norm understanding between Russia and Europe. In light of the 2014 occupation and annexation of Crimea by Russia, and its subsequent covert participation in the internal affairs of Ukraine, including aggressive flying and major military exercises, Russia seems to be a classical revisionist power, intent on changing the balance of power in Europe in particular. It also reaches beyond Europe, inserting itself as the key actor in the Syrian war. The book therefore considers how we should understand Russia. It also questions whether or not the West, in particular Europe, responds adequately in this delicate and dangerous new situation. The book concludes that at present Russia acts strategically and with considerable success whereas Europe is reactive in its response.
Exploring the intersection of ethics and politics, Janne Haaland Mátlary addresses pressing contemporary issues, particularly in Europe. Her work delves into the debates surrounding relativism, human rights, and the challenges of majority tyranny, reflecting the urgent concerns of citizens today. Through her insights, she provides a critical examination of the moral frameworks that underpin political discourse and decision-making in a rapidly changing landscape.
