The Russia Scare: Fake News and Genuine Threat

The Russia Scare examines the scope, character, and extent of Russian interference in the affairs of liberal democratic states, exploring why Russia engaged in such activities, the probable chain of command, and the role of the Russian leadership. It analyzes various hypotheses and responses, emphasizing the need to calibrate responses to avoid inflicting self-harm on liberal democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Russia Scare delves into the comprehensive assessment of Russian interference in the affairs of liberal democratic states. It explores the intricate dynamics of the 'Russia scare,' emphasizing the interplay between threat perception, responses, and subsequent policies. The book examines the various forms this threat took, the tools employed, their effectiveness, and the allies Russia collaborated with in these endeavors. It also investigates the impact of interference on target societies. The author aims to separate fact from fiction by establishing the broader historical context. He critically examines the fundamental question of whether Russia was engaged in a sustained 'hybrid warfare campaign' to sow discord and undermine Western democracies before the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Various hypotheses are analyzed, including the notion that Russian post-Cold War activity is not exceptional in the context of great power confrontation, the idea that all great powers engage in similar actions, and the suggestion that Russia's subversive activity has been exaggerated or misrepresented. Responses to the threat, while necessary, must be carefully calibrated to avoid inflicting harm on the integrity of liberal democracy itself. This book offers valuable insights to students, scholars, and academics interested in international relations.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032011516