FORGED IN WAR: A Military History of Russia From Its Beginnings to Today

Analyzes how war and insecurity drove Russia's destiny for centuries. Looks at how the national identity has been forged in the furnace of war -- from the medieval kingdom of Rus battling against Scandinavian princes and Mongol emperors, to its own empire-building conflicts in 19th-century Asia, to the formative wars of the 20th century which saw Russia change from a Tsarist empire to a communist state. Also covers how Putin created a new mood for martial triumphalism that led directly to the disastrous Ukrainian War. Contains contemporary accounts and a 16-page section of color images.