Russia: The Story of War

by Gregory Carleton

No nation is a stranger to war, but for Russians war is part of who they are. Their “motherland” has been the battlefield where some of the largest armies have clashed, the most savage battles have been fought, and the highest death tolls paid. Having prevailed over the Mongol hordes and vanquished Napoleon and Hitler, many Russians believe that no country on earth has sacrificed so much for the world. In Russia: The Story of War Gregory Carleton explores the belief in exceptionalism that pervades Russian culture and politics and shows how Russians have forged a distinct identity rooted in war.

While outsiders view Russia as an aggressor, Russians themselves see a country surrounded by enemies, poised in a permanent defensive crouch as it fights off one invader after another. Time and again, history has called upon Russia to play the savior―of Europe, of Christianity, of civilization itself―and Russia’s victories, especially over the Nazis in World War II, have come at immense cost. Even its defeats, always suffered on behalf of just causes in this telling, have become a source of pride.

War is the unifying thread of Russia’s national epic, the factor that transcends its wrenching ideological transformations from the archconservative Russian Empire to the radical-totalitarian Soviet Union to the pseudo-democratic Russian Federation. Today, as Vladimir Putin’s Russia asserts itself in ever bolder ways, knowing how the nation’s war-torn past inflects its self-image is essential to understanding Russia’s sense of place in history and in the world.

Genres: History, Russia, Nonfiction, Military History, War, Audiobook, School

310 pages, Hardcover

First published April 24, 2017

About the author

Gregory Carleton is Professor of Russian Studies and Chair of the Department of International Literary and Cultural Studies at Tufts University.

Reviews

[Dramatika]

Read any recent Western news, you get the feeling that Russia is out to get you, ready to strike and invade at any moment. This is despite the fact that we are in fact surrounded by enemy armies on all our vast borders with Nato directly aimed on us. In fact, Russia is responsible for all recent troubles from comic elections result to hacking attack despite the lack of any proof. This book challenges this distorted view somewhat, at least providing a different opinion. As a country, we suffered endless wars,with huge losses in people, power and lands. The author analyzes historic fact, as well as their reflections in pop culture, from literature to music and movies. There are some inconsistencies in times and periods, jumping all over the long history of Russua. There is also some confusion to what exactly should be attributed to Russia and what to USSR. The author somehow completely missed the huge divercity of ethnic and religious groups our country contains. There are four official religions, from Christian, to Muslim, Buddist and Judaic. It was a revelation for me to learn that our version of Christianity considered not to be true by " enlightened" European Christians. Akin to Shia not consudered to be true Muslims by Sunnys. Yet we have mosques and synagoges, as well as buddist temples in addition to Orthodox churches. Yet Russian equates ethnic Russian and Orthodox in this book. As we are all mixed of various ethnicities, this is not correct. Just to point out, that the often mentioned poet Alexander Puskin was himself of mixed race, probably Ethyopian and Russian. Yet he is our national poet, the most revered one in our hearts and minds.
Nevertheless, this is an excellent book providing at least a different direction to current discourse on Russian relationships with the rest of the world. Ostrasiced and punished for any minute disgression, we feel under siege. I know distant relative who survived the horror of Leningrad siege as a child. She was forever scarred in her psyche, hiding food under matresses and hoarding useless leftovers. She was overweight, never managing to eat enough. This kind of PTSD can affect a whole country too. We are so tired of wars, ours and everyone else's. I hope this urge to be on defence and forever ready will pass someday. Although we still talk and write to little about importance of what that war experinces were. You need to remember that history to never repeat it. We need it to overcome our scars, our losses and grief to start living in peace.

[Carolyn Harris]

I expected to read a military history of Russia in chronological order from the arrival of the Vikings to Putin's annexation of the Crimea. Instead, Russia: The Story of War is a thematic analysis of the role of war in Russia's national identity and international reputation. The book examines Russia's view of itself as a nation under constant threat from west and east, the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and military culture (There is a patron saint of nuclear bombers), and the place of Civil War in Russia's history. Certain conflicts are emphasized more than others. There is extensive analysis of conflict in Kievan Rus, the Mongols, the Time of Troubles and especially the Crimean War, the Second World War (Great Patriotic War) and Afghanistan. In contrast, the First World War is summarized quickly and Peter the Great's Great Northern War (which regained Russia's Baltic coast line and allowed for Saint Petersburg to remain the Imperial capital) is mentioned in passing. The author includes both historical and literary sources as is especially fond of quoting Tolstoy. Fascinating but should be read alongside other, more comprehensive histories of Russia.

[Jeff]

Fantastic book for understanding Russian identity and worldview.

[Jason]

If you want to understand why Russia thinks differently than the United States, this is the book to read. The introduction makes a good Cliffs Notes of what you're going to read in general, and the discussion on Putin is very useful.

[Scott Martin]

(Audiobook) This book takes a look at how Russians view themselves as a people and a nation. A critical part of that identity is their history of conflict and battle. Historically, the Russian people and leadership use their history of conflict and religion to create the Russian identity, a sort of myth and mindset that drives the people. In some ways, it is not all that dissimilar to American history and mythology. Glorious defeats, be it against the Mongols, Borodino, and the early part of World War II for the Russians, match up with the Alamo and Wake Island for America. Also, both make extensive use of mythologizing World War II as central to their modern identity and strength. This is borne out in literature, history and entertainment mediums. Even embarassing blunders and tragedys (like the sinking of the Kursk) can be spun into glorious defeats that follow the Russian desire for mythology. Interestingly enough, the central figure in this mythology is Alexander Nevsky, who won several battles against the Mongols and European rivals, but did also work with the Mongol invaders as a vassal. While it would preclude his heroic mythology, the Russians see his actions as critical to future success so they overlook his seemingly traitor-like actions.

For an academic style work, it proved both entertaining and informative. The reader is solid, and doesn't detract nor enhance the work. At least he doesn't try to use bad Russian accents. Worth a read/listen for those who want insight into a key part of the Russian identity.

[Tommy Thompson]

Impressive distillation of the internal histories and myths that Russia holds about its military history. Highlighting the cyclical nature of Russia's military history, Carleton captures many of the arguments Russia's military and political leaders make to their domestic audience about the unique nature of Russia as a savior of the civilized world, perpetually besieged upon all sides, fighting as heralds of the one true Christian faith. From medieval and Napoleonic war tales of heroism, to legends of self-sacrifice in the Russian wars in Afghanistan and Chechnya, the internal narrative of Russia's sacrificial nature is obvious.

[Devan Smith]

The book was well-written for what it was. This is an analysis of Russian culture through the lens of its warrior culture and ethos. There were many interesting sections detailing how this ethos developed, and I enjoyed the analysis of various Russian media about the governing war myth.

As an American, it made me reflective of what our governing myths are. I am left to wonder if our myth is a never-satiated expansionism. That expansionism was literal in the age of manifest destiny from Sea to Shining Sea and has shifted into an allegorical expansionism about spreading American ideals.

[Johan Larsson]

Great book if you want to understand the background to what's going on i modern day Russia. Some things in history always remain the same.

[SpookySoto]

Rating: I liked it 😊

This is a interesting summary of Russia's history through the lens of war. It was helpful to understand Russia's ideology and relationship with war.

I liked tried to be neutral and just present facts, without passing judgement on their behavior.

Here in the west we are used to see Russia as evil, and I liked this gave us their perspective, without condoning nor condemning them.

Russia always have fought to defend it's territory, and sometimes what the judge to be their territory. Russia have saved Europe countless times, costing them Russian lives in the process. Then they feel Europe has turned their backs on them, only using them when it's useful. The feel alone, betrayed and misunderstood. Even their victory, saving Europe on WWII have been taken away from them, where the USA false claiming the victory was brought by them.

I don't think the Russian government is good, but I don't think it's more evil than the USA, UK or Israel. They all abuse their power, lie ti the people, invade countries in the name of a greater good but only Russia seems to be blamed.

I understand Russia more and, although I'm opposed to their invasion of Ukraine and any other country, I do think the USA and UK and NATO had played a big roll inciting the conflict, acting in the shadows and placing all the blame on Russia.

I recommend it.

[GreyAtlas]

Excellent book that is both truthful yet sympathetic to Russia. Read like it was written by a level-headed Russophile that understood Russia yet did not fully exonerate her of her evils.

Wasn't too enthused about the section where it talked about movies for multiple pages. But nonetheless, this was a well rounded book. Would definitely recommend.

[Sharolyn Stauffer]

I found this quite helpful and enlightening in understanding why Russia continues to highlight WWII glory and also its actions in other places more recently.

[Derek]

Nothing very original here.

[Vann Adams]

Good sociological examination of the Russian people

[Adam Orford]

This wonderful new book examines the stories that Russians tell themselves about themselves, identifying the martial myths that inform the Russian self-understanding. A work of literary analysis, cultural geography, and historiography, it draws a straight line through the collective memory of Alexander Nevsky, the Battle of Borodino, the defense of Stalingrad, the Chechen wars, and all of the other national military adventures of the people of the Родина. The people that emerge are those who stand and die - the unappreciated Shield of the West, keepers of the true faith, and protectors of civilization.

As the author explains: the purpose is not to judge whether these stories are true or not, but to recognize the extent to which they permeate modern Russian culture and, by extension, its actions on the world stage. By examining the treatment of historical military events in popular film and literature, we see defeats transformed into cherished matters of national pride (in the same way that the United States cherishes Pearl Harbor), threats overcome by paying the most terrible price transformed into a cult of death (we are reminded that for every American who died in WWII, 65 Russians lost their lives), and, above all, constant unfair treatment by Europe and its allies transformed into a justificatory wounded pride, and subsequent isolation. These stories resonate most powerfully when one sets aside one's critical judgment about them and simply accepts that many, many people in Russia believe in this way. Extending sympathy to so alien a worldview may be a challenge, but one that this book contributes a great deal to making possible.

One criticism: by highlighting war - and war only - as the uniquely Russian touchstone of story, the author ignores a great deal of other material that must contribute to the Russian national identity. Carleton has identified one - but only one - unifying element of identity, but his framing occasionally reads as if he believes he has identified the most important one, and this - lacking comparative analysis - is a claim too far, in my view.

[CHAD FOSTER]

This book details how Russia's "war myth" has become the defining element of the country's national identity, providing Russians with a simultaneous sense of messianic purpose and religious martyrdom. War has become Moscow's "civic religion." This religion has been used to justify oppression, privation, and territorial expansion since at least the time of Peter the Great, but its roots stretch all the way back to the Mongol invasions. In the minds of Russians, their people stood alone and shielded Europe from the Mongol yoke. The rest of Europe benefitted from this buffer and acted treacherously to take advantage of the confusion and weakness suffered by Russia. Hence, the perpetual anxiety regarding encirclement from all points of the compass.

Carleton is no apologist for Russian aggression. Instead, he seeks to explain it. He aims for empathy, NOT sympathy. One of the keys to understanding the actions of Vladimir Putin today is to look back at Russia's history. To Carleton, the West's troubled relationship with Moscow is less a "Putin problem" and more of a "Russia problem." A fascinating read that is well worth your time.

[Hajoes]

This is a wonderfully informative book on the psyche of Russia (at least from it leadership perspective). Is Russia a European country or an Asian country? It spans two continents. The Mongols ruled it for around 200 years. The author takes the reader on a journey through Russian history to the present, focusing not on an individual but on the overarching mood of the nation as it traverses one crisis to another. The focus is not on "good" or "bad" but on historical events and their ramifications, at least from the author's viewpoint. Well written, easy to understand, interesting from beginning to end, I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in getting a greater insight to present day Russia.

[Nate]

I love how this book emphasized "story" and "myth" in its telling of Russian history.

Like any community, Russians tell stories about their country that allow them to understand themselves and their past. Carleton argues, convincingly, that the "war story" is integral to how Russia views itself. Importantly, he also explains how the West has told its own stories about Russia without understanding the views of the Russians themselves.

I do wish Carleton had expanded beyond books and film in his analysis of this story, and perhaps looked at some counter narratives, but overall this was a very interesting book that changed some of my perspectives on that part of the world.

[Jacob Frank]

Provides some needed insight into how the Russian state justifies and explains itself to the Russian public, and how this official mythology is taken up and disseminated through literature, cinema, and television. The book is arranged thematically, rather than chronologically; also, it reads as a bit monochromatic, i.e. it focuses on images of war, stoicism, self-sacrifice, etc. in Russian culture, to the exclusion of other themes. Nevertheless, the author's argument is persuasive, well-researched, and contributes to a better understanding of modern politics.

[Chase Metcalf]

Engaging exploration of war and its place in Russian history. I picked an audiobook version to listen to during international travel and found myself planning to get a hard copy version to allow for deeper reading. Interesting read for anyone seeking to understand how war has shaped Russia’s worldview and how Russia uses war as part of its own narrative.

[Michael]

The book introduced me to parts of Russian History that I wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about. For me this history helped shed some light on the current War in Ukraine, and how we got to this point.

[Anna C]

Accurate title would be something like "Russia's Founding Myth: War in National Identity." Having the main title be just "Russia" is kinda comically lazy (and almost certainly the publisher's decision).

[Joel Blankenship]

(Forthcoming)

[Dan]

Russia is...hard to explain.

[Aaron Sponseller]

The book is very detailed but not that interesting. It does not go into any details about the wars, but rather their effect on the psyche of the Russian people.

[William]

February 28, 2022: This was hard to read while watching Russia’s invasion of Ukraine because it is sympathetic in tone towards it’s subject matter. It provided useful insight into the narratives that Putin draws upon to justify the invasion, the founding myths of Russian exceptionalism, and the apparently enduring appeal that they have to *some* Russians. These myths have heartbreaking consequences for Russia’s neighbors. Recommended for people who want to understand Russian military self-perception and points of historical reference.

[Kevin Moynihan]

Succinct. Well-written. Ties together centuries. Very insightful. If you’re reading Russian history, this is very helpful. Nice coverage of Gotye’s diary Time of Troubles

[Aina Hard]

Bra historielektion, lite väl väst i vissa analyser

[ST]

Some major and important concepts on Russian history and identity. But not convincing enough or compelling. Couldve been shorter I guess.

[Keith]

Finished Gregory Carleton's RUSSIA: THE STORY OF WAR (2017), in which he chronicles the Russian state's paranoia and bellicosity. Russia has developed a perpetual war myth of "just cause, innocent defender, Western treachery, the need for vigilance, [and] the triumph of faith," by which it justifies its militaristic relationship with other countries (such as Ukraine). Many of its state-sponsored fiction writers*, film makers, journalists, and historians have shown a genius at glorifying the Christlike sacrifice of Russian soldiers, dying in unimaginable numbers in defense of Mother Russia...even though the official state version conveniently ignores facts and narratives that contradict the myth. Carleton's study is important because it explains Putin's popularity as a leader. While Americans see him as a pugilistic jerk, in Russia he's a hero who has restored Russian respectability by defending his land against the corruption of the West. My one qualm with the book is its lack of any reference to Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Otherwise, it offers valuable insights into the Russian mindset.

*In my own Russian literature project, many of the authors I've read questioned the war myth. Consequently, they were exiled or executed, and their works were heavily edited by censors or published outside of Russia.