Richard Sakwa

Despite the author’s best efforts, I cannot be dissuaded that Russia is in the throes of Roger Griffen’s definition of generic fascism (a palingenetic form of populist ultra-nationalism.) Russia under Putin has entered a stage of neo-revisionism whereby she has become more assertive due to income windfalls from oil, achieved political stabilization under the cult of the leader, has a perceived sense of alienation, and the desire to be seen as a world power, not just a regional power. Putin does not believe his neighbours have a sovereign right of choice to join alliance systems of their choosing but is adamant that his neighbours should remember their history and location and take into account the effect their decisions will have on others. Ukraine’s relationship with its neighbour Russia has historically been tense and complicated for Russia believes Ukraine has been and will always be part of the Russian psyche and has still not accepted Ukraine’s separation from Russia in 1991. It is not possible to externalize all of Ukraine’s problems to the rogue behaviour of Russia but Russia is a major player for the foundations of Ukraine’s corrupt government officials and oligarchs were learned at the knee of Ukraine’s Soviet administrators. Putin insisted the Crimean takeover wasn’t planned or prepared for it just happened that 20,000 well armed servicemen stationed in Crimea backed Crimean self defense forces. Out of all the books I’ve read on Russia and Putin, this is the only one that blames Ukraine for the Russian sponsored invasion.… (mere)

Richard Sakwa's Frontline Ukraine is a detailed narrative of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, addressing its roots in ethnic divisions and the pro-Europe/pro-Russia tug of war. At times I thought it was perhaps a bit too detailed, for at times it seemed like every other word was a capital-letter word. This is a common flaw in academic books released soon after or during an ongoing political crisis, as there has not been enough time for the dust to settle and trends to become clear. This makes any attempt at providing a narrative overview quite cumbersome, as it means history has not yet made judgements on what details proved important and which superfluous.

Regardless, Sakwa's account was very even-handed on the motivations of the various power-players in the region. One certainly gains a better appreciation of Russia's strategic grievances and anxieties, even if this does not extend to moral support or a condoning of the actions of Putin's government. Frontline Ukraine, whilst it could have benefited from a little more flair, is excellent at impressing that this is one modern conflict in which there can be no outright victor. Like the Palestinian problem, the divisions are too ingrained and essential to identity to ever be removed. It shows more than ever that the only way forward is serious negotiation and hard compromise between various competing geostrategic interests if Ukraine is ever to emerge from civil war.… (mere)