Product Description

The war between Russia and the Chechen separatist forces, from December 1994 to August 1996, may be seen by future historians as a key moment in Russian and even world history. This is not because of its immediate consequences, which seem likely to be limited, but because of the light it has thrown on one of the crucial developments of our time: the end of Russia as a great military and imperial power. In terms of sheer logistical achievement, the Chechen victory - against such odds - over the Russian army is one of the epics of colonial resistance this century. As a moment in military history, it has lessons to teach on military anthropology, the nature of urban combat, national mobilization, and the limits of air power. In addition to providing a step-by-step account of the conflict on the ground, Lieven takes issue with the prevalent Western schools of thought and writing about Russia, which have exaggerated its military strengths, misconstrued its political culture, swallowed its nationalist rhetoric, and transposed imagined "ideological quests" onto the Russian psyche. Despite what most "experts" would have us believe, ordinary Russians are not primarely concerned with empire, glory and national status, but with economics, security and the daily effort to survive. Despite the scale of the Russian defeat, the mystique of its military power remains tenacious in the West. Lieven's account demolishes the conventional black-and white view, ridicules the incessant repetition of the baseless and mistaken set of alternatives for the country's future, and sets Russia's humiliation at the hands of a tiny group of badly-organized guerrillas in a framework.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #966062 in Books
• Published on: 1998-05-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 448 pages

Customer Reviews

A very thorough analysis of the Russian defeat in Chechnya
Lieven gives a vivid account from the front line in Chechnya during the recent war. He spoke to the main protagonists on both sides and also to the common soldiers or fighters. He offers many lively examples of Russian incompetence and corruption and writes admiringly but not uncritically about the courage and tenacity of the Chechens who fought this once mighty military force. Lieven also analyses thoroughly the broader military and political reasons for the Russian defeat and traces its causes to the general state of political decay in present day Russia. He offers the historical background of the very troubled Russian-Chechen relationship. He draws many interesting parallels with other political systems where corrupt and incompetent leaders have remained in power over longer periods of time e.g. in certain Latin American countries. Lieven writes critically about western analysts such as the historian Richard Pipes who still tend to regard Russia as an inherently expansionist power. Military expansion, in his view, is simply not on the agenda for a very long time, if only due to the very sorry state of the Russian military and of politics generally. A very insightful book, very rewarding.

The Authoritative voice on the Chechen conflict
This thorough and comprehensive account of Russo-Caucasian relations and War in the 90's, the examination of key figures, as they were then 10 years ago, and a dissection of the shortcomings of the Russian Military with a Structural analysis of its failings, ensure this book 10 years on post Putin is still of interest.
Lieven has an established academic record, and with his inside connections presents an authentic , authoritative and impartial voice. He gives an interesting account of the chechen people, who 10 years ago were little known in the West.
As it transpires the War is in a second phase and ongoing. This however is an exceptionally detailed account and analyis of the mechanism and execution of the first War in its historical and contemporary contexts.

Excellent and readable
This is a very thorough and balanced account of the Russian invasion of Chechnya. Mr Lieven should be congratulated for writing this book. Highly recommended