Galeotti's absorbing book shows how Putin's Russia has been defined by endless wars against often more sophisticated neighbours and by its spluttering attempts to modernise itself in response.

Sir Rodric Braithwaite, former UK Ambassador to Russia

A well-informed, thoughtful and readable introduction to a vast, complex and immensely important subject.

Professor Dominic Lieven, author of 'Towards the Flame: Empire, War and the End of Tsarist Russia'

The battles, the geopolitics, the palace ideologies and intrigues are set forth in Mark Galeotti's masterful and absorbing narrative.

Leon Aron, author of 'Riding the Tiger: Vladimir Putin's Russia and the Uses of War'

Confused policy-makers and curious students will benefit greatly from this impeccably researched and succinctly written account.

Professor Pavel Baev, Peace Research Institute Oslo

[Mark Galeotti] has produced what is not only a succinct tour d'horizon of Russia's simultaneously rich and brutal history, but a real tour de force of analysis ... a masterful study.

Lord Lothian