“Meticulously researched and compellingly argued, Tracey German’s book could not be more timely and relevant given Russia’s war against Ukraine. Examining the roots of the Russian understanding of the changing character of war, and how and why Moscow uses its armed forces, it is essential reading for those seeking to interpret Russia’s military strategy today. Importantly, German analyses how the Russian military incorporates foresight into strategy, offering us tools to reflect on what to expect as we look ahead.” —Andrew Monaghan, Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute, and author of Dealing with the Russians
“Mirror-imaging and fixating on singular aspects, such as the notorious ‘Gerasimov doctrine’, have resulted in a one-sided Western view of contemporary Russian strategic thought. A lot of the existing work on Russian military thought is far too limited and focused on individual aspects. In this meticulously researched and clearly written book, German applies her context- based regional knowledge to tease out the nuances in Russian visions of future war in all their complexities. Her systematic examination of the use of private military companies, proxy forces and other important contemporary issues will have broad appeal to various audiences. Russia and the Changing Character of Conflict is essential reading to gain a better understanding of how the Kremlin has responded to the changing character of conflict and why it proceeded as it did during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.” —Bettina Renz, Professor of International Security, School of Politics & IR, University of Nottingham
“This timely examination of Russian views on the changing character of war should be required reading for analysts of the Russian military and anyone interested in Russia’s use of military force to advance its national interests. The final chapter, which uses the war in Ukraine to examine the gap between theory and practice in Russian military doctrine, is especially relevant. Dr. Tracey German has produced an excellent piece of scholarship that advances our understanding of the West’s most acute security threat.” —Robert E. Hamilton, Research Professor of Eurasian Studies, Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College
“As Russia’s war against Ukraine unfolds, Tracey German’s book offers a timely and sharp contribution to the debate, clearly explaining how and why Russia wages war in Ukraine and beyond. Going through both theory and practice, German navigates the intricacies of Moscow’s understanding of the changing character of war and contemporary debates in Russian military thought. Russia and the Changing Character of Conflict offers valuable insights for Western policymakers, especially as it explores the future of the Russian military as well as the impact of technology on modern warfare.” —Mathieu Boulègue, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Defense and Security, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)
