Fighting Giants

How can Germany, Poland, and Sweden turn pathological militias into sources of strength given the looming threat of Russian hybrid war? Since 2014, it became clear Russia envisioned a cold-war, sphere of influence policy on its periphery. These three countries have a rich paramilitary history, but except for Poland, few politicians have seriously considered their role outside of crises. The Crimean annexation provided impetus for further defense innovation in Central Europe where the three states offered differing political and military cultures to build upon.