Jan Eichler: NATO and the War in Ukraine: Geopolitical Context and Long-term Consequences

Abstract

In NATO and the War in Ukraine: Geopolitical Context and Long-term Consequences, Jan Eichler, a well-established scholar at the Institute of International Relations in Prague, contributes to the scholarly discourse surrounding NATO’s expansion, its geopolitical impacts and the impact of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. By combining historical revisionism with theoretical insights, Eichler crafts a compelling narrative that critiques prevailing perspectives on NATO’s post-Cold War role. The book offers an engaging mix of empirical rigor, theoretical depth and a revisionist spirit, making it a significant intervention in international relations (IR) scholarship. Eichler’s academic contributions place him squarely within the critical realist tradition of IR, informed by both classical realism and neorealism. His engagement with the works of Kenneth Waltz, Stephen Walt and John Mearsheimer situates him in dialogue with some of the most influential theorists in the field. However, Eichler distinguishes himself through his willingness to critically assess NATO’s post-Cold War trajectory, an area often dominated by uncritical endorsements. His alignment with revisionist scholars like Andrew Bacevich adds depth to his critique of triumphalist narratives that celebrate NATO expansion without grappling with its unintended consequences.