DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2524-048X.2026.34.11

 

Abstract. The publication serves as a pivotal academic response to the tectonic shifts in the global landscape during the first quarter of the 21st century. The review highlights the volume’s two-tiered structure, which bridges theoretical inquiry into the evolution of international systems with empirical analysis of socio-political and economic interactions.

Central to the collection is the examination of the «Great Power Rivalry» paradigm, contextualized through the works of S. Tolstov and references to W. Thompson’s structural-functional theories. The review underscores the volume’s focus on the transformation of the international order from a post-Cold War «unipolar moment» to a fragmented multipolar reality, where the roles of key actors – including the US, China, and the EU – are being fundamentally redefined. Special attention is given to the «Republican Victory Plan for Ukraine» (2023) as a case study of internal American political oscillations regarding foreign aid and strategic goals.

A significant portion of the review is dedicated to William Dixon’s research on Ukraine’s metamorphosis into a global cyber power. Through the concept of «combat-driven integration», the author analyzes how existential threats catalyzed a unique fusion of Big Tech, civil society, and state military structures, offering a «roadmap» for Western democracies in the digital age. Furthermore, the review examines the drastic shift in Germany’s Zeitenwende policy (2022–2024) as analyzed by A. Martynov, illustrating how the Russo-Ukrainian War forced a total recalibration of EU security doctrines.

The review concludes that the collection provides a robust methodological framework for understanding modern global conflicts. It is positioned as an essential resource for diplomats, historians, and political scientists specializing in transatlantic relations and global security architecture. The work’s merit lies in its ability to translate complex geopolitical trends into actionable strategic insights for Ukraine’s foreign policy in a volatile international environment.

Keywords: International Relations, Foreign Policy, USA, Germany, European Union, Russo-Ukrainian War, Global Security.

 

Submitted 02.01.2026

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