Putin's Wars: The Rise of Russia's New Imperialism

The third edition of Marcel H. Van Herpen's acclaimed book offers a systematic analysis of Putin's three wars, placing them in their broader historical context and exploring their preparation and conduct. He argues that the Kremlin is preparing for an imperial revival, relying on the secret services, the Orthodox Church, the Kremlin youth "Nashi," and the rehabilitated Cossacks. The book makes a compelling case that Putins regime emulates an established Russian paradigm in which empire building and despotic rule are mutually reinforcing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 08 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The third edition of this acclaimed book offers a systematic analysis of Putins three wars, placing the Second Chechen War, the war with Georgia of 2008, and the current war with Ukraine in their broader historical context. Drawing on extensive original Russian sources, Marcel H. Van Herpen analyzes in detail how Putins wars have been prepared and conducted, and why they have led to allegations of war crimes and genocide. He shows how the conflicts have attempted to consolidate and legitimate Putins regime and explores how they are connected to a fourth, hidden, "internal war" waged by the Kremlin against the opposition. The author convincingly argues that the Kremlin—relying on the secret services, the Orthodox Church, the Kremlin youth "Nashi," and the rehabilitated Cossacks—is preparing for an imperial revival, most recently in the form of a "Eurasian Union."

An essential book for understanding the dynamics of Putins regime, this study digs deep into the Kremlins secret long-term strategies. Readable and clearly argued, it makes a compelling case that Putins regime emulates an established Russian paradigm in which empire building and despotic rule are mutually reinforcing. As the first comprehensive exploration of the historical antecedents and political continuity of the Kremlins contemporary policies, Van Herpens work will make a valuable contribution to the literature on post-Soviet Russia, and his arguments will stimulate a fascinating and vigorous debate.

Weight: 667g
Dimension: 237 x 159 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538183861
Edition number: Third Edition