In a new era, the Eastern dictatorships of Russia and China compete with Western democratic civil societies. The West is clearly superior both economically and militarily, but only if it stands together.

China is likely to have emerged victorious from the Corona crisis. However, the extent to which China can also profit from Putin's war in Ukraine is currently open.

That Putin really believed in the quick surrender of Kiev and the defection of the Ukrainian troops is proven by a triumphant text provided by the state news agency RIA-Novosti on Saturday 26 February, which was not deleted quickly enough.

The West is acting united against Putin. China will ask itself whether a renaissance of transatlantic relations has emerged. But the battle against Putin has not yet been won.

We do not see demonstrations in Russia for the conquest of Ukraine. There are no young men marching through Moscow or Petersburg expressing their willingness to sacrifice. Hardly anyone wants to die for Vladimir and Holy Russia.

Overcoming political and social polarisation in Western societies could become a question of survival for the West.