The Global Story What if Russia wins?
Nov 3, 2025
Carlo Masala, a Professor of International Politics at the Bundeswehr University Munich and author of *If Russia Wins*, dives deep into the unsettling implications of Russian military strategy. He discusses the resurgence of nuclear tensions and how Russia employs hybrid warfare tactics to undermine NATO. Masala envisions scenarios where Russia tests the alliance's resolve, including a potential invasion of Estonia. With calls for enhanced military readiness and clear deterrent strategies, he stresses the urgency for Europe to prevent a dire future.
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Nuclear Rhetoric Returns To Center Stage
- Nuclear rhetoric and weapons testing by major powers have brought nuclear issues back into public focus.
- Carlo Masala warns this creates one of the most dangerous periods since WWII with real escalation risks.
Russia's Military Buildup Raises Alarm
- Intelligence assessments in Europe show Russia is building forces capable of attacking NATO by 2029.
- Masala says material capability plus intentions to 'test' Article 5 create a major threat.
2007 Estonia Cyberattack As A Case Study
- Masala recalls the 2007 cyberattack that crippled Estonia's banking system for a weekend.
- He uses the event to show attribution is hard and hybrid attacks aim to erode public trust in governments.
