Europe needs to learn to speak the language of power. A conversation with professor and writer Karlo Mazala
Professor Karlo Mazala discusses the necessity for Europe to adopt a realistic approach to international relations and the implications of potential geopolitical crises involving Russia.
In an insightful conversation, Karlo Mazala, an international politics professor at Munich's Bundeswehr University and a prominent commentator in German and international media, emphasizes the need for Europe to speak the language of power. His recent work highlights the importance of a realistic understanding of international relations, free from illusions, that considers geopolitical realities. His attention to current global issues, particularly regarding Russia, showcases an urgent call for an informed discourse amongst European nations. Mazala's book, "World Disorder, Global Crises, and Western Illusions," originally published in 2016, outlines the central thesis that Europe must re-evaluate its approach to international affairs. He argues that an illusory perspective can impair the continent's response to real threats and challenges. His fictional scenario in the 2025 book "If Russia Wins. A Scenario" narrates a chillingly plausible event where Russia occupies the Estonian town of Narva in 2028, testing NATO's reaction capabilities. The implications of such a scenario suggest a significant impact on the trust in collective defense commitments, indicating a critical discourse for European security policy. Overall, Mazala's work serves as a rallying call for European leaders to reconsider their strategic partnerships and defense agreements. His insights restate a need for Europe to confront uncomfortable truths about its security framework and to prepare adequately for potential crises. The conversation reflects broader concerns regarding NATO’s readiness and the perceived reliance on collective security, urging countries to not only realize the power dynamics at play but also to act decisively in strengthening their defensive strategies against resurgent geopolitical threats.