Risks for European Security: The Case of Russia

Education and Democracy

Interview with Wolfgang Mueller - Lecturer in the “European Studies” Master's Program

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Risks for European Security: The Case of Russia—under this title, Wolfgang Mueller spoke last May at a “Lunch & Learn” event organized by the “European Studies” program about the current challenges to Europe’s security. The discussion focused on the military, political, economic, and hybrid threats arising from Russia’s policies and the war against Ukraine.

Since that discussion, the security situation in Europe has continued to evolve. The war in Ukraine, the increasing use of drones, and the shifting domestic and geopolitical dynamics in Russia continue to raise key questions for European security and resilience.

What has changed since May—and which developments are particularly relevant today? We asked Wolfgang Mueller three questions to help contextualize the current dynamics: from the domestic political situation in Russia to the military, economic, and technological developments in the war against Ukraine, and finally to the consequences for Europe’s resilience. We then spoke with Mueller about his teaching and the courses in which he addresses European security and political issues.

  • In your view, which domestic and power-political dynamics in Russia are currently the most important for understanding European security risks, and why?

    From an external perspective, two dynamics stand out as significant this past year: Ukrainian counterattacks on Russian oil and goods infrastructure are deepening Russia’s economic crisis. Among Russian economists, critical voices are growing, arguing that Russia will not be able to sustain the war for much longer if the West continues to support Ukraine.

  • Has anything changed here since early May?

    The situation has intensified. Russia is stepping up its attacks on the Ukrainian population—most recently with a four-day, nonstop assault on Kyiv involving 1,500 drones. Added to this are provocations and attempted attacks on Europe, such as the one on Leipzig Airport, which are also attributed to Russia. The recent NATO exercise and the high-profile visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe suggest there is credible evidence of Russian plans to attack the Baltic states. In Russia, there is open talk of the need to reoccupy Europe.

  • During the talk, you mentioned the increasing use of drones in the war in Ukraine: What developments in the war—military, economic, and technological—are currently decisive for its future course, and what does this mean for Europe’s resilience?

    A military-technological revolution is unfolding before our eyes, which—along with other factors—is enabling Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression. However, this is only possible with Western support. Should Europe prove unable to provide this support, Russian aggression toward Europe will likely intensify.

More about Wolfgang Mueller

Wolfgang Mueller is a professor of Russian history at the Institute for Eastern European History at the University of Vienna. As an instructor in the “European Studies” master’s program, he teaches two courses: “International Relations after 1945” and “European Integration since 1945.”

Mueller: “The courses on international relations provide an introduction to theoretical approaches and then focus on the two major themes from the end of World War II to 1989/91: the Cold War and decolonization. International relations after 1991 are examined through key events, analytical approaches, and current issues ranging from security policy to migration, development, environmental protection, and international terrorism.

The course ‘European Integration since 1945’ begins with wartime plans and the precursors to the EU, such as the OEEC, NATO, the ECSC, and the Council of Europe. Particular attention is paid to issues of crisis and reform, consolidation and enlargement, as well as the admission of new member states to NATO and the EU after 1991.”

Wolfgang Müller
Wolfgang Müller

Wolfgang Mueller, Lecturer "European Studies"

In his courses, Mueller offers not only in-depth knowledge, but also dynamic discussions and practical approaches.

“My goal is to provide a solid understanding of historical and current international factors, processes, and decision-making mechanisms in an era of arbitrary disinformation and information overload. I hope that students will leave with a refreshed grasp of fundamental concepts, interesting details, and an interest in new topics.

My seminar also offers the opportunity to develop skills for independent research, reading, and discussion. In current discussions and analyses of Europe, it is important to recognize that history is never over and that the conditions under which we live are constantly changing. Engaging with the international situation, in particular, reveals the openness of historical processes and the risks to which our world is exposed. Today’s decisions—and failures to act—shape our future. We should therefore reflect on what kind of Europe we and our children want to live in.”

Understanding Europe. Especially now.

European Studies 

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