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.

Introduction and Outline; Janne Haaland Matlary and Tormod Heier.- Part I. Setting the Scene.- Chapter 1. Europe, Russia and the World of Magical Realism; Christopher Coker.- Chapter 2. Realpolitik Confronts Liberal Democracy: Can Europe Respond?; Janne Haaland Matlary.- Chapter 3. Deterrence and Limited Wars: Echoes from the Cold War?; Gjert Lage Dyndal and Øistein Espenes.- Part II. Strategic Interaction.- Chapter 4. Driving Forces in Russia’s Strategic Thinking; Igor Sutyagin.- Chapter 5. Could Britain Respond Strategically to Russian Aggression?; Julian Lindley-French.- Chapter 6. Strategic Ability in Europe: The Case of France; Øyvind Østerud.- Part III. The Use of Force.- Chapter 7. Russian Operations: Continuity, Novelties and Adaptation; Palle Ydstebø.- Chapter 8. Tools of Influence: Russian Information and Propaganda; Geir Hågen Karlsen.- Chapter 9. Russian and Western Views on International Law; Jacob Thomas Staib.- Chapter 10. Asymmetric Ethics? Russian and Western Perceptions on War; Nils Terje Lunde.- Part IV. Conclusions: Mapping NATO’s Vulnerabilities.- The Logic of Asymmetry: Russia’s Approach Towards NATO; Tormod Heier.