But in an era of renewed geopolitical tensions, soft power is not sufficient. The evidence of this comes in many forms. If Europe’s shrinking industrial base and scramble to adjust to the reality of de-globalization are not convincing enough, Russia's war against Ukraine surely must be.That conflict has not only upended the long-held belief that full-scale wars in Europe belonged to the past; it has also demonstrated the limits of economic ties and levers to shape countries’ behavior. Despite facing one of the most expansive sanctions regimes in history, Russia’s economy grew by 5.4% in the first quarter of this year, and 4% in the second – well above the global average. "Russia’s economy grew by 5.4% in the first quarter of this year, and 4% in the second.