War in Ukraine: Conflict, Strategy, and the Return of a Fractured World

by Hal Brands (editor)

The war in Ukraine has altered the course of global history. These authors explore how.

When Vladimir Putin's forces sought to conquer Ukraine in February 2022, they did more than threaten the survival of a vulnerable democracy. The invasion unleashed a crisis that has changed the course of world affairs. This conflict has reshaped alliances, deepened global cleavages, and caused economic disruptions that continue to reverberate around the globe. It has initiated the first great-power nuclear crisis in decades and raised fundamental questions about the sources of national power and military might in the modern age. The outcome of the conflict will profoundly influence the international balance of power, the relationship between democracies and autocracies, and the rules that govern global affairs.

In War in Ukraine, Hal Brands brings together an all-star cast of analysts to assess the conflict's origins, course, and implications and to offer their appraisals of one of the most geopolitically consequential crises of the early twenty-first century. Essays cover topics including the twists and turns of the war itself, the successes and failures of US strategy, the impact of sanctions, the future of Russia and its partnership with China, and more.

Essayists Anne Applebaum, Joshua Baker, Alexander Bick, Hal Brands, Daniel Drezner, Peter Feaver, Lawrence Freedman, Francis Galvin, Brian Hart, William Inboden, Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Michael Kimmage, Michael Kofman, Stephen Kotkin, Mark Leonard, Bonny Lin, Thomas Mahnken, Dara Massicot, Michael McFaul, Robert Person, Kori Schake, and Ashley Tellis.

Genres: History, Ukraine, War, Russia

324 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

"War in Ukraine: Conflict, Strategy, and the Return of a Fractured World," edited by Hal Brands, is a compelling anthology that delves into the complexities and far-reaching implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This volume stands out for its multidisciplinary approach, bringing together a diverse array of experts who provide a comprehensive analysis of the war's origins, dynamics, and broader geopolitical ramifications. One of the book's strengths is its ability to contextualize the conflict within the larger framework of global politics. The contributors adeptly explore how the war in Ukraine is not merely a regional issue but a manifestation of a fractured world order. This perspective is particularly relevant in understanding the geopolitical chess game between Russia and the West, as well as the strategic calculations of other global powers. The essays in the volume are well-researched and thoroughly engaging, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the conflict's strategic dimensions. The authors address a range of topics, including military tactics, economic sanctions, cyber warfare, and information warfare. This variety ensures that the book caters to readers with diverse interests, whether they are military strategists, political scientists, or general readers curious about international relations. Brands' editorial oversight is evident in the seamless flow of the essays, each building upon the other to create a cohesive narrative. The book does not shy away from presenting differing viewpoints, allowing for a balanced discussion that reflects the complexity of the situation. This inclusivity enhances the book's credibility, as it does not merely serve to advocate a single perspective but rather encourages critical thinking and dialogue. While the book is dense with information, it remains accessible, thanks to its clear writing and logical structure. "War in Ukraine" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of modern warfare and its implications for global stability. Its insightful analysis makes it a pertinent read for policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in the shifting landscape of international relations.

[Robb R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of overlap in the essays, but they are well thought out, well documented and very … very timely.

[Terry Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hal Brands is an American political scientist and scholar of U.S. foreign policy. He is the Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.

This review is for the Kindle edition.
The book is broken into three parts. Part I, Origins and Overview, five chapters; Part II, The Conflict, six chapters; and Part III, Global Dimensions and Implications, six chapters. Each Chapter is written by a number of specialists in the field, and as a whole, is a nice anthology of 17 total chapter for a total of 313 reading pages.
Now More than 2 1/2 years into the conflict, specialists are still trying to understand how this will all end and what are the implications for future and regional conflict. This book provides a great geopolitical and historical background that provides context for the analysis in these chapters as of early 2024.

There are essentially 6 core conclusions and themes that one can take away from this book. No spoilers here - however, you can see my notes and highlights if you wish.

The book is very readable and understandable for both the novice and the specialist and would make a great bookshelf reference.

[Almantas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Labai rimtų autorių straipsnių rinkinys apie kelią iki plataus masto neišprovokuotos Rusijos agresijos prieš Ukrainą 2022 m. vasarį, kas jau įvyko šiame kare, kokią įtaką tarptautiniams santykiams ir procesams jis padarė ir ko dar galime laukti. Įdomu ir naudinga skaityti, nes aprašomi įvairūs šios temos aspektai. Ypač įdomūs momentai, susiję su pačiomis įvairiausiomis nuomonėmis prieš karą apie karo tikimybę, Rusijos ir Ukrainos galimybes bei galimą Vakarų reakciją. Antra įdomi tema yra apie tai, kokios yra šio karo jau dabar matomos pasekmės.

[Fox Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hal Brands and his contributors have done it again. This is a fantastic read for anyone wanting to know:
1. Why Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine happened
2. How the United States and other actors responded to the invasion
3. What other authoritarian actors such as China are learning from the war
4. How the outcome of the war will shape the future of our world
5. So much more about Ukraine!