The Guns of August 2008

by Svante E. Cornell, S. Frederick Starr

In the summer of 2008, a conflict that appeared to have begun in the breakaway Georgian territory of South Ossetia rapidly escalated to become the most significant crisis in European security in a decade. The implications of the Russian-Georgian war will be understood differently depending on one's narrative of what transpired and perspective on the broader context. This book is designed to present the facts about the events of August 2008 along with comprehensive coverage of the background to those events. It brings together a wealth of expertise on the South Caucasus and Russian foreign policy, with contributions by Russian, Georgian, European, and American experts on the region.

Genres: History, Russia, War, Politics, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Laila Collman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading these essays has made me reflect on just how powerful Russian propaganda really is. As David J Smith noted, “Moscow counts on the (sometimes naive) abject it of Western analysts, journalists, international organisations, NGOs, and governmental officials. Blowing smoke about faraway places with unpronounceable names is part of its technique… The reality is that the August 2008 war was neither provoked nor a product of miscalculation. It was initiated and waged by Russia for well-articulated geopolitical reasons. Georgia behaved diplomatically- perhaps too long.”

As Pavel Felgenhauer added, “Moscow wanted its military action in Georgia in August 2008 to be seen merely as a reaction to ‘Georgian aggression’ against Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia, and against Russian peacekeepers in the region. However, this official Russian position ignores the simple fact that an invasion of such a magnitude would require long-term preparations involving the entire Russian military, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy.” In short, we should all make sure we understand the real version of events, and not Moscow’s narrative.

[Jelger Groeneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed essays explaining the wider context that lead to the 2008 war. Good to read some back every now and then as it also gives hints on recurring events.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of ten essays by prominent scholars on the Caucasus, Georgia, and Russia. However it is worth noting that it is heavily biased towards Georgia, as evidenced by the title alone. Its worth noting that while the editors of the book proudly state that "the editors did not propose any organizing hypotheses, nor were they guided in their selection of authors by any expectation that they would adhere to one view or another." (p. 8) A cursory glance at the contributors list suggests otherwise: of the twelve names listed (ten authors and two editors), at least seven of them have direct ties to Georgia (either studying there or working with the government), while seven have worked with either the US government or NATO. So to suggest that the book is anything but neutral is factually incorrect.

However, if one is to accept the inherent biases contained within the book, it does provide an excellent examination of the conflict. Indeed some of the essays work from a more neutral tone, even offering criticism of the Georgian government. But for the most part, the book details how Russian actions prior to August 2008 led to the war, with analysis going back to the fall of the Soviet Union.

If you are interested in a neutral, balanced account of the war, this volume is not an appropriate choice. However it does give considerable information on the conflict, even if one is forced to accept the pro-Georgian biases within it

[Spencer Willardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays gives a pretty good overview of the Russia Georgia 5 day war in August 2008. Chapters include information on the historical roots of the conflict, the aftermath of Georgia's rose revolution, the military build up prior to the conflict, the conflict itself, and the potential future impact of the war. The tone of the book is not friendly to the Russian point of view, but it is rarely pro-Georgian. The US and West's response (or more appropriately, lack of coherent response)are objects of discontent among the authors.

Overall I would recommend it to those interested in Russian foreign policy, conflict, or this particular dispute. It is a great starting point for forays into those areas. The bibliography is quite extensive and led me to more sources for corroborating and countervailing information.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much more academic than I had anticipated. Perhaps not for the lay reader simply interested in a narrative of the war between Georgia and Russia. Regardless I found it an interesting book and particularly relevant as Russia seems to be on a downward spiral into ever increasing authoritarianism and increasing their self adopted role of regional thug and perusing destabilizing policies around the world.

[Mike Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read, easy to draw similarities between georgia, chechnya, and ukraine. unreal that the west could have intervened so many times in the name of democracy and was too preoccupied. nato without the US could have offered real support but quietly cut deals on cheap russian gas ultimately funding their aggression.

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandatory reading for Marine Le Pen.