Grzegorz W. Kolodko is a distinguished professor of economics at Kozminski University (Warsaw, Poland). He is a key architect of Polish economic reforms and a public intellectual and politician. He was Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance in Poland, 1994-7 and 2002-3. He is a Member of Academia Europaea, and Director of Transformation, Integration, and Globalization Economic Research, TIGER, at Kozminski University. He is the world's most frequently cited economist from post-Communist countries, marathon runner, and globetrotter who has explored 170 countries and visited Antarctica. 

This book highlights the geopolitical and economic consequences of the

Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The author, a key architect of Polish eco-

nomic reforms and the most frequently cited economist from post-Com-

munist countries, shares new insights into the causes and mechanisms

of the Second Cold War. Written in an unorthodox, bold and lucid style,

the book raises provocative issues and provides convincing answers to

some of the most difficult questions, such as who the true beneficiaries

and interest groups behind the war are, and what their motives and con-

flicting goals are.

The book also introduces readers to the greatest challenge of our time,

climate change, and explores the long-term effects of the current arms

race and rearmament spiral on global warming. This interdisciplinary

book, which also addresses the challenges of inflation, mass migrations

and clashes between democracy and authoritarianism, will appeal to

anyone interested in the contemporary geopolitical shifts triggered by

the Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but also in the dynamics and directions

of the evolution of the new cold war.

1. In a dark shadow.- 2. This world of ours got into a trap.- 3. Nothing justifies Russia's invasion of Ukraine.- 4. The US should not provoke Taiwan to declare independence.- 5. The fifth partition of Poland is being prepared?.- 6. How many years will this war last?.- 7. Against whom the people's anger turns.- 8. The economics of sanctions work differently from their politics.- 9. Sanctions are intended to bring about the results desired by their enforcers.- 10. Great inflation is a delayed invoice for a pandemic and a prepayment for war.- 11. A very expensive war is getting even more expensive.- 12. Globalization has taken a few powerful blows but has not been knocked out.- 13. Help Ukraine to rise from the ruins.- 14. The Second Cold War is a world war.- 15. The more NATO grows, the less secure Europe is?.- 16. Nostalgia for authoritarian regimes sets in.- 17. All scenarios are black, although the geography of the frying will vary.- 18. Where to get these billions and trillions.- 19. Euro-Atlantic and Euro-Asian mega-systems can peacefully compete and cooperate.- 20. Something far worse than the seven plagues of the Bible.- Bibliography.- Index.