This book provides an in-depth analysis of the Russia-Ukraine war and its profound implications for European defence, examining the challenges faced by NATO and the EU. It delves into the historical origins, geopolitical context, and shifting dynamics of the conflict, tracing developments from the end of the Cold War to the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022 - shedding light on the complexities of the war and its wide-ranging impact on European security.

With expert contributors offering an Italian perspective, the book explores NATO's evolving strategies and policies in response to the crisis, including military, diplomatic, and informational dimensions, as well as its broader deterrence and defence posture. It also examines defence cooperation in Europe, particularly through European Union initiatives, and the multifaceted relationship between the war in Ukraine, the Atlantic Alliance, and the EU.

The book assesses NATO's adaptation to the new security landscape, from military deployments in Eastern Europe to its deepening collaboration with the European Union, while addressing the alliance's role in countering emerging threats in domains such as space. Through a multidisciplinary lens, combining international relations history and political science, this study offers a distinctive and comprehensive exploration of international relations, security, and defence.