The reconstruction and new role of the defense industry in Central Europe - experiences from the war in Ukraine

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This paper presents two major issues. Firstly, the impact of Russian aggression on how security is perceived in Central Europe, and secondly, the importance of changing security policies, with a special focus on the defense industry. Our findings in these areas will permit us to answer the main question of the research - on the reconstruction and new role of the defense industry in Central Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The arms industry was one of the pillars of the Cold War economic and political system, and was a crucial asset in the blocks’ rivalry. The collapse of the Soviet Union marked the beginning of a structural transformation in Central Europe. Released from the Soviet grip, countries in the region turned to Western institutions and became an important part of them. The year 1989 seemed to close a period of tough historical experience, and the 30 years that followed were a time of peace and growing prosperity. Yet a resurgence of Russian imperialism brought old anxieties back to the surface and ultimately caused Europe’s architecture of security to falter. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 released the demons of the past, and has seriously reoriented politics - not only in Central and Eastern Europe.