Russia Explained for laypeople: Comprehensive Guides on Wars
In the complex landscape of international relations, understanding Russia as a strategic actor is crucial. Here are six books recommended by John Amble, the editorial director of MWI, that can help non-experts gain insight into Russia's political and strategic cultures, military operations, and more.
1. **Hybrid Warriors by Anna Arutunyan**: This book delves into Russia's use of non-state actors and disinformation in its foreign policy, focusing particularly on the conflict in Ukraine. It offers valuable insights into the Kremlin's operational strategies and approaches to conflict.
2. **Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice** by Bill Browder: This memoir provides a personal perspective on Russia's economic and political landscape, highlighting its authoritarian tendencies and strategic use of economic leverage.
3. **The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin** by Steven Lee Myers: This biography offers a comprehensive look at Putin's life and his role in shaping Russia's strategic posture, both domestically and internationally.
4. **Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia** by Peter Pomerantsev: This book examines modern Russia through the lens of media and propaganda, illustrating how these tools are used strategically to influence public perception and policy.
5. **The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin** by Masha Gessen: This book offers an in-depth analysis of Putin's rise to power and the strategic tactics he has employed to maintain his position.
6. **The Bear and the Dragon: Inside China and Russia's Secret War Against America** by David S. Wurmser: Although not exclusively focused on Russia, this book explores the strategic relationships between China, Russia, and the United States, offering insights into Russia's positioning in global geopolitics.
These books provide a diverse perspective on Russia's strategic actions and its role as a global actor. For instance, "Day of the Oprichnik", a novel by Vladimir Sorokin, sets in a near-future Russia where the country's leader has solidified his grip on power to an even more absolute degree than Putin. The novel describes in detail the violence meted out to those who criticize the Russian leader, and feels like a sobering reflection of the dynamics that help to keep Putin in power.
Another notable book is "Putin's People" by Catherine Belton, which provides insights into how Russian president Vladimir Putin has manipulated the elites of the country to strengthen his rule. On the other hand, "A Short History of Russia" by Mark Galeotti covers more than a thousand years of Russia's history in less than two hundred pages, offering a concise yet comprehensive understanding of the country's past.
These books are recommended as a broad-based layer of context to understand the actions Russia is taking. They offer valuable insights into Russia's political and strategic cultures, military operations, and more, helping readers to make sense of this complex and influential nation.
- To supplement the knowledge of Russia's strategic actions, one could delve into the fictional work "Day of the Oprichnik" by Vladimir Sorokin, which depicts a near-future Russia with a leader's absolute control, offering a reflection on the dynamics that maintain power in the country.
- For those interested in understanding the inner workings of Russia's elite and how they have contributed to Putin's rule, the book "Putin's People" by Catherine Belton provides insightful analysis.
- To comprehend the historical context that shapes Russia's strategic actions, "A Short History of Russia" by Mark Galeotti, though compact, offers a comprehensive and concise overview of over a thousand years of the country's history. This book serves as a useful foundation for gaining a broader perspective on Russia.
