William R. Nester

I often take my books out to read in cafes, and out of all the books I have reviewed, this one has elicited most interest from other people. It has provoked some lively discussion, and I have several people lined up who wish to read it as soon as I have finished with it, or they intend to purchase it.

The author is a Professor at a university in New York in the U.S.A., so the book focuses on the relationship between the U.S.A. and Russia. The author provides a background into the culture and power of Russia pre-1917, and then the Soviet Union. The power of the Soviet Union reached a zenith at the end of the Second World War, but it ended with the collapse of the Soviet bloc, the reunification of Germany, and independence of the Soviet bloc countries of Eastern Europe.

Chapters 3 to 5 cover the rise to power of President Putin, and how he maintains and asserts his power throughout the Russian government, commerce and people. Chapter 6 looks at the specific relationship between Russia and the U.S.A., of which much has been said of late. The next chapter covers the relationship with Europe, followed by the wider world. The last chapter considers the future, which is not easy to project.

There is an extensive bibliography and many explanatory notes, indicating that the author has undertaken significant research in compiling this book. Of course, such is the nature of current political discourse, there will be some who will dismiss this book and its contents as ‘fake news’. Other who are more open-minded may find some of the findings in this book disturbing. Sadly, I feel that many people will prejudge this book, whereas it is worthy of due and objective consideration. Any conclusions will be in the mind of the reader alone.… (meer)