Book Review: A Stark warning – Giles‘ Russia’s War on Everybody
This review dissects Keir Giles’ Russia’s War on Everybody, highlighting its core arguments and the author’s passionate, and often frustrated, perspective on Western miscalculations regarding Russia. The book is presented as a vital, if unsettling, read for policymakers and anyone seeking to understand the current conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s broader strategic goals.
Giles’ analysis is fueled by a long-held frustration with the West’s consistent underestimation of russia’s willingness to employ force and disregard for international norms. He powerfully amplifies the voices of Central and Eastern European nations, who have long warned of the dangers posed by Moscow, but where often dismissed by Western allies prioritizing a “partnership” approach. This past context underscores the book’s central argument: the West has repeatedly failed to learn from past mistakes, engaging in a cycle of naive attempts to ”reset” relations with a Russia consistently demonstrating aggressive intent.
A key insight offered,particularly relevant after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine,is the significance of the Rosgvardiya (Russian National Guard). Giles clarifies that this force isn’t simply a domestic security apparatus with a Western equivalent; its primary function is the subjugation of populations, both within Russia and in targeted territories like Ukraine. This highlights a crucial point Giles makes repeatedly: Western observers often misinterpret Russian institutions by applying familiar frameworks, obscuring basic differences in purpose and function.
Giles is scathing in his critique of Western diplomacy, particularly the persistent efforts of french and German leaders to pursue “resets” with Russia, often overlooking or excusing its transgressions. He identifies several recurring fallacies in Western thinking, including equating interaction with better communication, falsely assigning equal blame in conflicts, and prioritizing ceasefire agreements over justice and deterrence. He argues the West clings to the belief that Russia has fundamentally changed, conveniently accepting superficial agreements as justification for inaction. The early behavior of the second Trump administration serves as a prime example of this perilous naiveté.
The review concludes by highlighting the book’s compelling nature, noting Giles’ ability to engage readers both intellectually and emotionally. He doesn’t simply present a cold analysis; he evokes a deep compassion for the victims of Russian aggression. While the book inevitably leads to disillusionment, even experienced Russia analysts will find new insights or, at the very least, a cathartic validation of their own concerns. Ultimately, the review strongly recommends Russia’s War on Everybody as essential reading for those who need to understand the complexities of Russia’s actions and the urgent need for a more realistic and resolute Western response.
