Forged in War explores Russia's history of war and insecurity, from medieval kingdoms to the Ukrainian war, shaping its national identity and leading to Putin's martial triumphalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A Masterful History of How War and Insecurity Have Driven Russia's Destiny for Centuries

Russia's history has been shaped by war and insecurity, both real and perceived, for centuries. From the medieval kingdom of Rus battling against Scandinavian princes and Mongol emperors to its own empire-building conflicts in 19th-century Asia and the formative wars of the 20th century which saw Russia pitch from Tsarist empire to communist state and defender against Nazism, all these conflicts stained the lands of Russia red with blood. A weak post-Cold War Russia then turned to Putin, who created a new mood for martial triumphalism which led directly to the Ukrainian war.

Putin Retains His Stranglehold on His Position in Russia Despite an Almost Ruinous Invasion of Ukraine

Putin retains his stranglehold on his position in Russia despite an almost ruinous invasion of Ukraine. The answer as to how and why can be found in Russian history. With no naturally defensible borders and environmental factors constraining its economy, Russia has been pitched against the pre-eminent military powers of the age across the centuries, and often at a technological disadvantage. To respond to these challenges, it has had to sit heavily on the backs of its people, and so war – and the need to be able to fight it – has shaped its evolution, from tsars to commissars and presidents.

The National Identity Has Been Forged in the Furnace of War

From the medieval kingdom of Rus battling against a Scandinavian princes and Mongol emperors to its own empire-building conflicts in 19th-century Asia to the formative wars of the 20th century which saw Russia pitch from Tsarist empire to communist state and defender against Nazism, all these conflicts stained the lands of Russia red with blood. A weak post-Cold War Russia then turned to Putin, who created a new mood for martial triumphalism which led directly to the Ukrainian war.

Forged in War Strips Away the Myth to Give an Insider's View on Russia's Past and Present

Packed with contemporary accounts, Forged in War strips away the myth to give an insider's view on Russia's past and present. It reveals the true nature of Russia's military might and the sacrifices its people have made to defend their homeland. It also explores the impact of war on Russia's economy, society, and culture, and how it has shaped the country's foreign policy.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472862518