Eighty years after the guns fell silent in Europe, the fight for peace is far from over. The world must decide: will it repeat the mistakes of the past, or will it learn from history and forge a new path forward? … writes Anasudhin Azeez
Eighty years ago, on May 8, 1945, Europe erupted in celebration as Nazi Germany surrendered, bringing an end to the devastating conflict on the continent. VE Day—Victory in Europe Day—marked a turning point in history, symbolizing unity, peace, and the triumph of democracy over tyranny. However, as the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of this momentous occasion, the stark reality remains: Europe is still divided, and the global order is increasingly unstable.
The unity forged in the aftermath of World War II has given way to polarisation. Across the continent, political and ideological divisions have widened, communities are fragmented, and the spectre of war once again looms on the horizon. The Cold War may have officially ended decades ago, but old tensions between the United States and Russia have resurfaced with renewed intensity, exacerbated by conflicts in Ukraine and a new geopolitical chess game involving China.
As the world reflects on the sacrifices made during World War II, it cannot ignore the echoes of past rivalries in today’s geopolitical landscape. The United States and Russia—once allies against the Axis powers—stand once again as adversaries, their competition taking on a new, more dangerous form. The war in Ukraine, which has dominated European politics for years, has become a battleground for influence, with the West backing Kyiv while Moscow continues its aggressive campaign. Yet, recent developments have reshaped this dynamic.
Former President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. support for Ukraine sent shockwaves across Europe, effectively abandoning an ally in its fight against Russian aggression. With American assistance no longer guaranteed, European nations are left scrambling to defend their borders and reinforce their military capabilities. The transatlantic alliance, once the bedrock of European security, now appears more fragile than ever.
While the West remains embroiled in its struggle with Russia, another global giant is asserting its dominance. China, once dismissed as a sleeping giant, has emerged as a formidable superpower, surpassing most European nations in military and economic strength. President Xi Jinping has made it clear that China’s future will be defined by artificial intelligence, robotics, and investment in cutting-edge technologies, all aimed at cementing its global influence.
China’s rapid expansion has led to heightened tensions with the United States, particularly over Taiwan. With Washington distracted and Europe divided, Beijing sees an opportunity to assert its territorial claims. The world watches anxiously as China increases its military presence in the South China Sea, issuing stark warnings to the U.S. “Intimidation does not scare us. Bullying does not work on us,” a Chinese government statement recently declared, adopting rhetoric reminiscent of the Cold War era. “If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.”
This aggressive stance has placed Taiwan at the centre of an escalating global crisis. With America retreating from Ukraine, the fear is that Beijing will interpret this as an invitation to move on Taiwan. The once-hypothetical prospect of a military confrontation between China and the U.S. is now dangerously close to reality.
As Europe marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it does so in a state of uncertainty and division. Unlike the unity displayed in the wake of World War II, today’s Europe is polarised—politically, socially, and economically. The European Union, which was founded on the principle of collective strength, is grappling with internal discord. From Brexit to nationalist movements in Eastern Europe, the dream of a unified continent is under threat.
Moreover, with Russia at Europe’s doorstep and China challenging Western dominance, the question arises: is the continent prepared for the next global conflict? Many nations, including Germany and France, are ramping up their defence budgets, but without a clear, coordinated strategy, Europe risks being caught in the crossfire of a superpower showdown.
As we commemorate VE Day @80, the lessons of history have never been more relevant. The post-war world was built on the foundations of cooperation and collective security—principles that now seem to be eroding. The rise of nationalism, economic instability, and military posturing threaten to undo decades of peace and progress.
The world has changed dramatically since 1945, but the fundamental truth remains: division breeds conflict. The scars of World War II serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of global discord. As the world stands at yet another crossroads, the choices made today will determine whether future generations will commemorate another victory—or mourn another tragedy.
Eighty years after the guns fell silent in Europe, the fight for peace is far from over. The world must decide: will it repeat the mistakes of the past, or will it learn from history and forge a new path forward?
