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  • Putin's Wars

  • From Chechnya to Ukraine
  • By: Mark Galeotti
  • Narrated by: David Sibley
  • Length: 15 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (62 ratings)
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Putin's Wars

By: Mark Galeotti
Narrated by: David Sibley
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Summary

The Financial Times – Best books of 2022: Politics

A new history of how Putin and his conflicts have inexorably reshaped Russia, including his devastating invasion of Ukraine.

Putin's Wars is a timely overview of the conflicts in which Russia has been involved since Vladimir Putin became prime minister and then president of Russia, from the First Chechen War to the two military incursions into Georgia, the annexation of Crimea and the eventual invasion of Ukraine itself. But it also looks more broadly at Putin's recreation of Russian military power and its expansion to include a range of new capabilities, from mercenaries to operatives in a relentless information war against Western powers. This is an engrossing strategic overview of the Russian military and the successes and failures on the battlefield.

Thanks to Dr Galeotti's wide-ranging contacts throughout Russia, it is also peppered with anecdotes of military life, personal snapshots of conflicts, and an extraordinary collection of first-hand accounts from serving and retired Russian officers. Russia continues to dominate the news cycle throughout the Western world. There is no better time to understand how and why Putin has involved his armed forces in a variety of conflicts for over two decades.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Mark Galeotti (P)2022 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

'The prolific military chronicler and analyst Mark Galeotti has produced exactly the right book at the right time.' The Times

What listeners say about Putin's Wars

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Interesting insight

A comprehensive insight into the man. I very much appreciate the work that has gone into writing this book.

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A good background on the modern Russian military

This is a really well detailed and in depth analysis of Russia and its military. In saying that it’s probably a victim of recent history but Mark does raise that as the book develops. Credit to the narrator for the pronunciation of the many russian military departments divisions and units. proper jaw crackers they are.

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Very interesting read for lovers of detail!

Bought the book after enjoying Mark galeotti’s podcast. Very interesting balanced explaination of the russian military. Only one gripe though, his opinion that the ‘wests’ surprise at the full scale invasion of Ukraine was down to russian subversion. After listening and reading alot of accounts it seems to me that ‘the west’ was surprised simply because they couldnt believe putin would be so stupid…

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Fascinating and Informative

A fascinating and informative account of Putin's wars and of Russian military organization. Well worth reading or listening to.

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A masterful account.

As a fan of Mr Galleoti’s podcast, I greatly enjoyed this book. My only gripe is the cursory look at how Russian intelligence services impact the overall trajectory of the regime. The chapter on the 90s was deeply illuminating. Would definitely recommend. Be warned at the heavy military minutiae focus. I definitely loved it.

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As excellent as it is tragically timely

Enough on the military details to satisfy those looking for that, but mainly a great account of post-Soviet developments balancing the military, political and IR aspects, with a convincing narrative of Putin's wars and how they've culminated in the current disastrous one.

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Exceptionally well researched book

There are very few books that delve into the hard to penetrate subject of murky Russian wars, and even fewer that take an unbiased, facts-only approach. This is an incredibly well written and researched book that apart from being an enjoyable read contains the level of detail that can be used for academic research. In my opinion this is by far Mr. Galeotti’s best work.

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Very well researched history.

Says much about Putin's attempt to build new model army which has failed so badly in Ukraine. Must read.

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Exceptional analysis

It is always difficult to write about contemporary events in a historic way, yet Galeotti does so with wit and drive. This is a deep book and some times the orders of battle are confusing. However as an analysis of Putin and his armed forces it is written by a paramount authority. It should be on the reading list of anyone interested in Putin, NATO and Europe. I commend this work as an accessible guide to the complexity of Putin’s Wars.

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“Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics.”

This repeated quote is a good summation of Dr Galeotti’s new book. He provides a potted history of Putin’s wars leading up to his invasion of Ukraine. Throughout he explains the evolution of the Russian armed forces. Interspersed with anecdotes of his experiences meeting various figures within the Russian forces.
I found it a fascinating study of Russian culture and how it has been subverted by delusional leadership. The most interesting part must be listening to this in light of current events, not just in Ukraine but all around Russia’s borders, and how this is shaping the worlds view of Russia. This is literally living history.

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