Rearming Europe: Politics, Economics, Technology examines the political, economic, and technological forces driving Europe’s recent rearmament and assesses their implications for the continent’s security and development. Drawing on perspectives from political economy, security studies, and technology policy, this book analyses the rapid expansion of European defence spending and the EU’s ReArm Europe agenda in response to an increasingly volatile international environment. It explores the economic consequences of rising military expenditure, the growing influence of Europe’s defence industry, and the expansion of EU military programmes, while also examining Europe’s dependence on digital technologies and artificial intelligence developed by major US technology companies. Challenging prevailing assumptions about militarisation, the book argues that large-scale rearmament is unlikely to deliver strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, or lasting security, and instead risks undermining Europe’s green transition, welfare systems, democratic standards and long-term economic growth. It concludes by considering alternative approaches to European security and peace. This book will appeal to students and scholars of European politics, international relations, security studies, political economy, and science and technology studies, as well as policymakers and practitioners interested in the future of Europe.
