This fully updated book offers the first systematic analysis of Putin’s three wars; placing the Second Chechen War; the war with Georgia of 2008; and the war with Ukraine of 2014–2015 in their broader historical context. Drawing on extensive original Russian sources; Marcel H. Van Herpen analyzes in detail how Putin’s wars were prepared and conducted; and why they led to allegations of war crimes and genocide. He shows how the conflicts functioned to consolidate and legitimate Putin’s regime and explores how they were 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 Putin’s regime; this study digs deep into the Kremlin’s secret long-term strategies. Readable and clearly argued; it makes a compelling case that Putin’s 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 Kremlin’s contemporary policies; Van Herpen’s work will make a valuable contribution to the literature on post-Soviet Russia; and his arguments will stimulate a fascinating and vigorous debate.
#1999193 in Books 2011-12-22Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.48 x 1.15 x 6.39l; 1.25 #File Name: 1442214686328 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Exciting story and a page turnerBy Tama WalkerThis book is an exciting adventure into the life of a young woman who barely escapes being killed during World War II. She loses or misplaces her passport which is a fortunate thing because it lists her as Jewish and this is one reason she survives through all the suspicions of people on the hunt. She's only 17 when she is forced out of her hometown of Kiev where her Mother resides. She's on her own. She makes it with her industrious attitude and professionalism at work. Many men throughout her young life fall in love with her which is also a saving grace. I enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down. It would make a great Hallmark story on television or on Lifetime. I wish someone would get the ball rolling on making it happen.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Truly inspiring!By TracyellnI have read many holocaust survivor stories and this is the most inspiring! I have not found many about Roman Catholic Jews though!! This book is very well written; funny; heartbreaking and definitely inspiring! I feel as if I know Sophia and her mother!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. True Story that reads like a novelBy RUBY CHAPMANWell written and extremely interesting. Hard to believe that a young girl would have the maturity to survive all the dangers that Sophia encountered. The book flows and maintains interest until the end.
