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The World Ahead | European security in 2025

If Europe wants peace, it must plan for war

But none of its major governments seems ready to face the future

A bear next to a castle.
image: Ben Hickey

By Edward Carr, Deputy editor, The Economist

The security of Europe is entering a perilous and enduring decline. In 2025 Russia will have the upper hand in Ukraine. America, looking towards Asia under President Donald Trump, will become viciously transactional. Not since the 1930s have European leaders so urgently needed to summon the courage to face reality and the statesmanship to take action. Unfortunately, Europe’s leaders are weak and distracted by their problems at home. Instead of standing up they are more likely to bury their heads deeper in the sand.

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This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition of The World Ahead 2025 under the headline “If Europe wants peace, it must plan for war”

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