Russo-Ukraine War and the Rise of Populism

This chapter explores the shifting political dynamics in Europe after the 2024 European Union (EU) parliamentary elections and their implications for Ukraine. The polls saw a notable increase in right- and left-wing populist parties at the expense of traditional centrist ones, particularly in major countries like Italy, Germany, and France. This political shift suggests potential changes in the EU’s unified stance on military and financial support for Ukraine. Although NATO remains dedicated to bolstering support for Ukraine, the divergence between NATO and the EU’s policies reveals the complexities and uncertainties surrounding Western aid. This backdrop sets the stage for examining how the success of populist parties mirrors broader public dissatisfaction and affects EU unity and foreign policy. The chapter argues that the rise of these parties and shifting attitudes towards NATO and the Russo-Ukrainian war signal a possible realignment in international relations, especially if populist trends persist in national elections across Europe. It also analyses NATO’s evolving nuclear strategy in response to these political shifts and considers its implications for transatlantic relations and Ukraine’s future. Finally, the chapter addresses the integration of EU and NATO politics concerning the Russo-Ukrainian War.