The Russian Understanding of War

Blurring the Lines between War and Peace

Oscar Jonsson

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English

Georgetown University Press
01 November 2019

Defence strategy, planning & research; Games development & programming

This book analyzes the evolution of Russian military thought and how Russia's current thinking about war is reflected in recent crises. While other books describe current Russian practice, Oscar Jonsson provides the long view to show how Russian military strategic thinking has developed from the Bolshevik Revolution to the present. He closely examines Russian primary sources including security doctrines and the writings and statements of Russian military theorists and political elites. What Jonsson reveals is that Russia's conception of the very nature of war is now changing, as Russian elites see information warfare and political subversion as the most important ways to conduct contemporary war. Since information warfare and political subversion are below the traditional threshold of armed violence, this has blurred the boundaries between war and peace. Jonsson also finds that Russian leaders have, particularly since 2011/12, considered themselves to be at war with the United States and its allies, albeit with non-violent means. This book provides much needed context and analysis to be able to understand recent Russian interventions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, how to deter Russia on the eastern borders of NATO, and how the West must also learn to avoid inadvertent escalation.

By: Oscar Jonsson
Imprint: Georgetown University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 304g
ISBN: 9781626167346
ISBN 10: 1626167346
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 01 November 2019
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction 1 The Soviet Understanding of War Soviet Military Science The Cause of War The Nature of War War as an Instrument of Politics Evgeny Messner Conclusion 2 The Russian Understanding of War after the Dissolution of the Soviet Union The 1990s: Continuity The 2000s: Confusion The 2010s: Change Conclusion 3 Information Warfare The Information Security Doctrines Information-Technical Warfare Information-Psychological Warfare Conclusion 4 Color Revolutions The Political View The Military View Conclusion Conclusion Policy Implications References IndexAbout the Author

Oscar Jonsson is during 2019 Director of the Stockholm Free World Forum (Frivärld), a Swedish foreign and security policy think tank, and associated researcher at the Swedish Defence University. Previously, he was a subject-matter expert at the Policy and Plans Department at the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters. Jonsson holds a PhD from the Department of War Studies, King’s College London.

Reviews for The Russian Understanding of War: Blurring the Lines between War and Peace

At a time when the West is rocked by often-lurid claims about a Russian military threat and its aggressive posture, this excellent book is a vital corrective. Through a deep and detailed reading of the Russians' own military writings, Oscar Jonsson has produced a balanced, informed and sensible assessment that neither underplays nor overstates the threat, and which ought to be read in policy circles, defence academies and universities alike. -- Mark Galeotti, Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute This masterly overview of Russia's concept of war underscores the need to see the world through Moscow's eyes, since as Oscar points out, Russian practice so often follows Russian theory. Along the way, Oscar once again demolishes myths and misunderstandings like the 'Gerasimov Doctrine' and 'Russian hybrid warfare' that have bedevilled analysis of Russian security policy since 2014. As such, this book is a valuable asset not only for policy-makers but for the whole Russia-watching community. Highly recommended. -- Keir Giles, Senior Consulting Fellow with the Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham House Russia's resolute application of military force as a heavy-impact instrument of its foreign policy is driven by modernization of its strategic thinking. Oscar Jonsson gives a fresh and sharp perspective on this blend of traditional dogmas and innovative aggressiveness in Russian views on waging and winning modern wars. -- Pavel K. Baev, Research Professor, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) A brilliant analysis that provides a deep understanding of how Russian leadership thinks today. -- Sverker Goranson, General (Ret.) and former Supreme Commander, Swedish Armed Forces; Chairman, Royal Swedish Academy on War Science Many in the west are still playing catch-up when it comes to understanding Russian strategic culture and thinking about military issues. Oscar Jonsson does all of us an important service by tracing the origins of Russian thinking about many of today's most important security challenges as well as the ongoing evolution of Russian perceptions of the nature of war. A very timely book. -- Andrew Weiss, Vice President for Studies, Russia and Eurasia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace