This book highlights the geopolitical and economic consequences of the

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The author, a key architect of Polish eco-

nomic reforms and the most frequently cited economist from post-Com-

munist 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 and 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 con-

flicting 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

the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but also in the dynamics and directions

of the evolution of the new cold war.