The Russian Understanding of War

Blurring the Lines Between War and Peace

By: Oscar Jonsson

Narrated by: Michael Page

This book analyzes the evolution of Russian military thought and how Russia's current thinking about war is reflected in recent crises. While other books describe current Russian practice, Oscar Jonsson provides the long view to show how Russian military strategic thinking has developed from the Bolshevik Revolution to the present. He closely examines Russian primary sources including security doctrines and the writings and statements of Russian military theorists and political elites.

What Jonsson reveals is that Russia's conception of the very nature of war is now changing, as Russian elites see information warfare and political subversion as the most important ways to conduct contemporary war. Since information warfare and political subversion are below the traditional threshold of armed violence, this has blurred the boundaries between war and peace. Jonsson also finds that Russian leaders have, particularly since 2011-12, considered themselves to be at war with the United States and its allies, albeit with nonviolent means.

This book provides much needed context and analysis to be able to understand recent Russian interventions in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine, how to deter Russia on the eastern borders of NATO, and how the West must also learn to avoid inadvertent escalation.

©2019 Oscar Jonsson (P)2020 Tantor

good book .. last chapter full of western propoganda

they probably had to write it to get published. you know what I mean in this day and age

Interesting outlook

Very interesting perspective on Russia’s doctrine and outlook on sixth generation warfare. The recon strike complex which was developed in response to West shows how Russia began to adopt new C4I processes. If as discussed Russia has taken the psychological cyber perspective of warfare they have done so in short order. Food for thought.

Interesting book

Good book, it goes into great detail which is what I was expecting.
If you are interested in the Russian theory on conflict this will keep your interest.

shorter than expected

Good overall points but shorter than I expected. It was also redundant in some instances. A good summary of Russia's current mindset.

Very interesting

Very interesting and thought provoking. I recommend this book to anyone that likes to learn about the world and stuff.

Informative but dry

interesting and important knowledge to understand but it was dry and at times boring