This book highlights the geopolitical and economic consequences of the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The author, a key architect of Polish economic reforms and the most frequently cited economist from post-Communist countries, shares new insights into the causes and mechanisms of the Second Cold War. Written in an unorthodox, bold and lucid style, the book raises provocative issues. It provides convincing answers to some of the most difficult questions, such as who the true beneficiaries and interest groups behind the war are, and what their motives and conflicting goals are.

The book also introduces readers to the greatest challenge of our time, climate change, and explores the long-term effects of the current arms race and rearmament spiral on global warming. This interdisciplinary book, which also addresses the challenges of inflation, mass migrations, and clashes between democracy and authoritarianism, will appeal to anyone interested in the contemporary geopolitical shifts triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the dynamics and directions of the evolution of the new Cold War.