Putin's War on Ukraine: Russia's Campaign for Global Counter-Revolution

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was driven by domestic factors, such as Putin's desire to unite Russians and consolidate his authoritarianism, rather than systemic factors like preventing NATO expansion. The book explores why Putin opted for regime change in Ukraine and considers the impact on his own regime's legitimacy and the international response.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Russia's Annexation of Crimea and Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine: Context and Motivations

Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 marked a significant turning point in its relations with Ukraine and the broader international community. However, eight years later, in February 2022, Russia embarked on a full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, a move that had far-reaching consequences for both countries and the region.

For Vladimir Putin, the invasion of Ukraine was a legacy-defining mission. He saw it as an opportunity to restore Russia's sphere of influence and undo Ukraine's surprisingly resilient democratic experiment. Putin believed that Ukraine's Western orientation and proximity to NATO posed a threat to Russia's security and stability, and he sought to undermine Ukraine's independence and consolidate his own personal brand of authoritarianism.

The invasion of Ukraine, however, proved to be a catastrophic mistake for Putin. The conflict quickly degenerated into a bloody war of attrition, with both sides suffering significant casualties and destruction. The Russian economy faced crippling sanctions, which further weakened its position and exacerbated social unrest within Russia.

Despite these setbacks, Putin remained determined to pursue his policy of global counter-revolution. He believed that the desire to unite Russians around common principles and consolidate his personal brand of authoritarianism drove his decision to invade Ukraine. This objective had inspired military interventions in Crimea, Donbas, and Syria, and now all-out war against Kyiv.

Samuel Ramani, in his book "Putin's War: Russia's Path to Global Dominance," explores why Putin opted for regime change in Ukraine rather than a smaller-scale intervention in Donbas. He considers the impact of the invasion on Putin's own regime's legitimacy and the long-term political and foreign policy trajectory of Russia. Ramani also examines how the international response to the invasion will reshape the world order.

The invasion of Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences for both countries and the region. It has highlighted the fragility of international peace and security, and it has raised questions about the role of international institutions and the rules-based system. The conflict has also demonstrated the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, who have fought against Russian aggression with courage and determination.

In conclusion, Russia's annexation of Crimea and full-scale invasion of Ukraine represent a significant turning point in the history of the region. Putin's policy of global counter-revolution driven by domestic factors has led to a bloody war of attrition and economic sanctions. While Putin remains determined to pursue his objectives, the international community must stand united in its opposition to his actions and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Weight: 782g
Dimension: 223 x 154 x 50 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787388512