Maximilian Hess, a political risk analyst focused on Eurasia, examines the economic conflict between Russia and the West that underpins the war in Ukraine, how this escalated long before Russia's invasion, and who is winning the economic war.

As of 2023, the war in Ukraine is Europe's largest conflict since the Second World War and has taken tens of thousands of lives.

Underpinning the war is an economic conflict between East and West that began before Russia's invasion and will likely continue long after it.

But how is this conflict being fought, and what does it cost each side to fight?

Maximilian Hess is a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and an expert on Eastern European affairs.

In his book Economic War: Ukraine and the Global Conflict between Russia and the West, Hess analyzes the economic conflict that has been ongoing since before Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine.

Hess lifts the lid on Russia's response to Western sanctions, and evaluates the uncertain alliance in Europe that is supporting Ukraine.