Politics & Government
![Jade Mcglynn - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B0BTTRN2VS.jpg)
Russia's War
In the early hours of 24 February 2022, Russian forces attacked Ukraine. The brutality of the Russian assault has horrified the world. But Russians themselves appear to be watching an entirely different war – one in which they are the courageous underdogs and kind-hearted heroes successfully battling a malign Ukrainian foe.
Russia analyst Jade McGlynn takes us on a journey into this parallel military and political universe to reveal the sometimes monstrous, sometimes misconstrued attitudes behind Russian majority backing for the invasion. Drawing on media analysis and interviews with ordinary citizens, officials and foreign-policy elites in Russia and Ukraine, McGlynn explores the grievances, lies and half-truths that pervade the Russian worldview. She also exposes the complicity of many Russians, who have invested too deeply in the Kremlin's alternative narratives to regard the war as Putin's foolhardy mission. In their eyes, this is Russia's war – against Ukraine, against the West, against evil – and there can be no turning back.
Russia analyst Jade McGlynn takes us on a journey into this parallel military and political universe to reveal the sometimes monstrous, sometimes misconstrued attitudes behind Russian majority backing for the invasion. Drawing on media analysis and interviews with ordinary citizens, officials and foreign-policy elites in Russia and Ukraine, McGlynn explores the grievances, lies and half-truths that pervade the Russian worldview. She also exposes the complicity of many Russians, who have invested too deeply in the Kremlin's alternative narratives to regard the war as Putin's foolhardy mission. In their eyes, this is Russia's war – against Ukraine, against the West, against evil – and there can be no turning back.
Editorial Reviews
"This is the most comprehensive analysis of popular support for Russia's war to date. Jade McGlynn emphasizes that broad swathes of Russian society back the invasion and unpacks the varied reasons for this support. An important read for anyone interested in Russia's invasion of Ukraine."
Timothy M. Frye, author of Weak Strongman: The Limits of Power in Putin's Russia
"Timely, original and highly readable, McGlynn's book is essential for anyone wishing to understand the past, present and future difficulties we face in dealing with Russia."
Edward Lucas, former Economist Moscow correspondent and author of The New Cold War
"McGlynn offers a tantalising glimpse into the Russian public's perception of the war in Ukraine. Do the Russians care? McGlynn provides the answer in a gripping narrative that brings out the nationalist fervour, the cautious scepticism and the mind-boggling indifference of those on whom Vladimir Putin counts for support."
Sergey Radchenko, Johns Hopkins University
"An unnerving exposé of Russian support for the war against Ukraine."
James Ryan, Cardiff University
"An invigorating take on Russia's war in Ukraine. McGlynn's refreshing analysis looks beyond the battlefield to understand how Russians see the conflict."
Rasmus Nilsson, University College London
"compelling"
The Moscow Times
"Superb. A must-read for anyone looking for an understanding of Russian attitudes."
Richard Shirreff, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Strategia Worldwide and former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe
"Anyone who wants to understand why so many Russians support the war in Ukraine should start here"
Simon Baugh, Chief Executive of UK Government Communications
"The most extensive examination so far of Russian attitudes to the invasion and the nefarious methods that the Kremlin uses to try to manipulate minds … Russia's War is a thoughtful guide to this deadly cocktail of confusion and hatred. Just don't expect any e...
Timothy M. Frye, author of Weak Strongman: The Limits of Power in Putin's Russia
"Timely, original and highly readable, McGlynn's book is essential for anyone wishing to understand the past, present and future difficulties we face in dealing with Russia."
Edward Lucas, former Economist Moscow correspondent and author of The New Cold War
"McGlynn offers a tantalising glimpse into the Russian public's perception of the war in Ukraine. Do the Russians care? McGlynn provides the answer in a gripping narrative that brings out the nationalist fervour, the cautious scepticism and the mind-boggling indifference of those on whom Vladimir Putin counts for support."
Sergey Radchenko, Johns Hopkins University
"An unnerving exposé of Russian support for the war against Ukraine."
James Ryan, Cardiff University
"An invigorating take on Russia's war in Ukraine. McGlynn's refreshing analysis looks beyond the battlefield to understand how Russians see the conflict."
Rasmus Nilsson, University College London
"compelling"
The Moscow Times
"Superb. A must-read for anyone looking for an understanding of Russian attitudes."
Richard Shirreff, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Strategia Worldwide and former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe
"Anyone who wants to understand why so many Russians support the war in Ukraine should start here"
Simon Baugh, Chief Executive of UK Government Communications
"The most extensive examination so far of Russian attitudes to the invasion and the nefarious methods that the Kremlin uses to try to manipulate minds … Russia's War is a thoughtful guide to this deadly cocktail of confusion and hatred. Just don't expect any e...
Readers Top Reviews
LauraLaura
Punchy and well-written short guide into Russian views of the Ukraine war. It uses a lot of research and data but the style isn’t dry. It made me think twice about certain assumptions and the author tries to understand and explain things from the ordinary Russian view but without making any justifications. Lots to think about and a valuable contribution to an emotional subject.
Fascinating and essential reading for anyone wanting to understand more about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Rebecca Williams
For someone that finds Russia/Ukraine incredibly complex, this book absolutely delivers. I found the writing clear yet academically robust, and a real insight into parts of the dynamic that would otherwise be overlooked. Liked it so much I bought it another as a gift for my brother.
Francois Boudreau
As you are probably aware by now, most Russians support their country's invasion of Ukraine. This book explores why. But if you're looking for legitimate grievances that the West could somehow address to de-escalate the situation, you will be deeply disappointed. Their support is based on a very high dosage of lies and wishful thinking mixed with toxic patriotism and a default support for the local team. The only good news is that the Kremlin doesn't trust its citizens very much (can't say I blame it) and therefore stirs them toward utter passivity. We are stuck in this for a while I fear.
John John
Excellent and rare insight into the mentality of ordinary and elite Russians + their support of the war on Ukraine. A powerful response to the lazy (and comforting) view that this is Putin's war alone. Great combination of personal experience, interviews with elites and academic research.
