Strategiya: The Foundations of the Russian Art of Strategy

The book "Strategiya" provides a translation of and commentary on the founding texts of Russia's own Clausewitzes, Baron Jominis, and Liddell Harts, which have been inspiring Russian strategic thinking since Moscow rejected Marxism-Leninism. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the foundations of Russian strategic thought and practice, which have been largely inaccessible to Western readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

In recent years, Western experts have offered varying interpretations of the Kremlin's actions, often categorizing them as strategic or tactical. However, this simplistic categorization raises a crucial question: how accurately does the West's perception of Russian strategy align with Russia's own definitions? While numerous military historians have attempted to analyze Russian strategy, Strategiya takes a distinct approach. It brings together, in English, the classic works of the Russian art of strategy, which were rediscovered after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Instead of providing his analysis of Russia's contemporary strategy, Ofer Fridman offers his translation and commentary on the founding texts of Russia's own Clausewitzes, Baron Jominis, and Liddell Harts. These influential figures have been shaping Russian strategic thinking, both conceptually and in practice, since Moscow rejected the exclusive role of Marxism-Leninism in strategic affairs.

Russian contemporary strategists draw inspiration from three primary schools of thought. While works by Soviet military thinkers have already been translated into English, those by both Imperial strategists and military thinkers in exile have remained largely inaccessible to Western readers. Strategiya fills this gap by providing a fascinating insight into the foundations of Russian strategic thought and practice.

The book's introduction provides a historical context, tracing the evolution of Russian strategic thought from the early 19th century to the present day. It highlights the influence of Western strategic ideas on Russian thinking, particularly during the Cold War era. However, the introduction also emphasizes the unique aspects of Russian strategic culture and the challenges that Russia faces in the modern geopolitical landscape.

The first chapter, "The Russian Art of Strategy," explores the theoretical foundations of Russian strategy. It introduces the key concepts and principles that guide Russian strategic thinking, such as the importance of the "Grand Strategy," the role of the military, the use of force, and the pursuit of national interests. The chapter also discusses the influence of historical events, such as the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and World War II, on Russian strategic thinking.

The second chapter, "The Clausewitzes of Russia," focuses on the works of Clausewitz, Jominis, and Liddell Harts. Fridman provides a detailed translation of these texts, accompanied by his commentary and analysis. He highlights the key ideas and principles that these thinkers have contributed to Russian strategic thought, such as the importance of understanding the nature of war, the role of strategy in achieving political objectives, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in military operations.

The third chapter, "The Imperial Strategists of Russia," explores the works of Russian Imperial strategists such as Nikolai Makarov, Mikhail Tukhachevsky, and Andrei Zhdanov. Fridman provides a detailed translation of these texts, accompanied by his commentary and analysis. He highlights the key ideas and principles that these thinkers have contributed to Russian strategic thought, such as the importance of territorial expansion, the use of combined arms, and the pursuit of strategic depth.

The fourth chapter, "The Military Thinkers in Exile," explores the works of Russian military thinkers. It provides a detailed translation of these texts, accompanied by his commentary and analysis. He highlights the key ideas and principles that these thinkers have contributed to Russian strategic thought, such as the importance of information warfare, the role of technology in military operations, and the need for a holistic approach to security.

The fifth chapter, "Conclusion," summarizes the key findings of the book and offers insights into the future of Russian strategy. It emphasizes the importance of understanding Russia's strategic culture and the challenges that Russia faces the modern geopolitical landscape. It also suggests that further research and analysis are needed to fully understand the complex and evolving nature of Russian strategy.

In conclusion, Strategiya provides a valuable contribution to the study of Russian strategy. By bringing together the classic works of the Russian art of strategy and offering a comprehensive translation and commentary on the founding texts of Russia's own Clausewitzes, Baron Jominis, and Liddell Harts, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the foundations of Russian strategic thought and practice. The book's insights into the three primary schools of thought that inspire Russian contemporary strategists, as well as the works of Imperial strategists and military thinkers. The book's conclusion emphasizes the importance of understanding Russia's strategic culture and the challenges that Russia faces the modern geopolitical landscape. Further research and analysis are needed to fully understand the complex and evolving nature of Russian strategy.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787384842