Russia’s War on Everybody: A Critical Review

Russia‘s War on Everybody And What it Means for You

By Keir Giles
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2024

“You may not be interested in Russia.But russia is interested in you.” So reads the description on the back cover of Russia’s War on Everybody, a book whose title is meant literally. Giles argues that Moscow has been engaged in conflict – often covert, political, and informational, but also kinetic – around the world for decades, and that no one is beyond its unfriendly reach. Originally slated too be published in 2022, it had to be updated to reflect Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but in a testament to the book’s foresight, its concept and execution had only grown in relevance. Giles’ work is a darkly humorous analysis and an impassioned call to action, combining rigorous research with sharp-tongued policy analysis to drive home a central message: we underestimate the Russian threat at our peril.His unnervingly direct tone and grim subject matter is lightened by wry wit and skilful writing, making this book as enjoyable as it is informative.

“This must be the essence of our greatness. . . enemies everywhere” (p.20). The central thesis of Russia’s War on Everybody is that the Kremlin defines its enemies sweepingly,such that only a fraction of these “enemies” consider Russia to be their enemy. As Giles documents, “the Kremlin’s daily business” includes what some in the West would consider “acts of war” – poisoning dissidents, shooting down planes, election meddling, cyberattacks, and blatant political assassinations.Giles describes the Kremlin’s zero-sum worldview,in which anything benefitting others is a threat to Russia,and demonstrates that the Kremlin’s ambitions are far broader,and its methods more pervasive,than most realise.

“We would like to be playing chess, but they are already punching us in the face” (p.21). Every decision in this book is strategic. Giles willingly trades away a perception of academic impartiality for a chance at making an impact on policymakers and the public. Actually, the book’s greatest success derives from Giles’ greatest risk: his willingness to dive into the murky and epistemologically-challenging world of strategic culture. Russia’s War on Everybody serves as a kind of sequel to Giles’s earlier book, moscow Rules (2019), which similarly focused on Russia’s strategic culture, urging Western policymakers to recognize the dangers of Russia’s obsession with power and prestige and willingness to bend the truth to the point of breaking.

Russia’s War on Everybody takes those forces to their natural conclusion: the lives disrupted, destroyed or ended by Russian state actions. Classic academicians might be more agreeable describing these actions without any inferences about Russia’s ‘mindset,’ and might even be unwilling to admit that such a thing exists, but Giles blows past the methodological challenges in substantiating Russia’s “status obsession,” “paranoia,” and “conspiratorial view of absolutely everything,” allowing him to advance more innovative and impactful analysis than his more reserved peers. He appears to consciously employ the tactics which he described in his working paper for the Hybrid COE, both debunking and deriding Russian narratives.

“Russia can only look strong if its enemies are weaker.

A Critical Look at Russia’s Hybrid Warfare and the west’s Response: Reviewing Giles’ Russia’s War on Everybody

This review examines Keir Giles’ russia’s War on Everybody, a book offering a stark assessment of Russia’s evolving approach to conflict and its implications for the West. The book critiques the Trump management’s early interactions with Russia and highlights the dangers of underestimating Moscow’s strategic goals.Ultimately, Giles delivers a compelling, if unsettling, analysis demanding a basic shift in how Western policymakers perceive and respond to Russian aggression.

The Trump Administration and Early Missteps

The opening paragraph points to a critical failing in Western policy: a naive approach to Russia during the frist seven months of the Trump administration. Whether stemming from arrogance or a lack of understanding, this period exemplified the very pitfalls giles warns against. This initial period saw a willingness to engage with Russia based on the assumption it might very well be treated as a rational partner, despite mounting evidence to the contrary.

This sentiment was echoed by Russian propaganda, which argued that sanctions were ineffective and should be lifted. Proponents of this view simultaneously asserted Russia’s rationality while also warning that criticism could escalate to nuclear war – framing any Western resistance as the instigator of global catastrophe. This tactic,as Giles details,is a core component of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy: to sow discord,undermine alliances,and paralyze potential opposition through fear and disinformation.

Giles’ Analysis: Beyond Anger, Towards Understanding

Giles’ writing style is described as both engaging and sharp, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths. He doesn’t rely solely on outrage; instead, he emphasizes a compassionate understanding of the victims of Russia’s policies – those often overlooked in geopolitical calculations. This focus on human cost elevates the book beyond a purely strategic analysis, making it a more powerful and resonant read.

The book’s core argument centers on the idea that Russia is not a conventional actor operating within accepted norms of international relations. Giles meticulously details how Russia employs a multifaceted approach to conflict, encompassing disinformation campaigns, economic coercion, cyberattacks, and the exploitation of existing societal divisions in target countries. This “war on everybody,” as the title suggests, isn’t limited to military confrontation but extends to a relentless effort to destabilize and undermine the foundations of western democracies.

Key insights and Lasting Impact

Russia’s War on Everybody isn’t simply a recounting of events; it’s a call to action. The book challenges the West to abandon outdated assumptions about Russia and adopt a more realistic and robust strategy for deterrence and defence.Key takeaways include:

* Russia views the West as an adversary: This isn’t a temporary disagreement but a fundamental ideological conflict.
* Hybrid warfare is Russia’s primary tool: Conventional military force is often a last resort, preceded by a sustained campaign of subversion and destabilization.
* Sanctions are not a panacea: while not entirely ineffective, sanctions alone are insufficient to deter Russia’s aggressive behaviour.
* Unity and resilience are crucial: The West must strengthen its internal cohesion and build resilience against Russian interference.

The review notes that even experienced Russia analysts found the book insightful, suggesting it offers fresh perspectives and a valuable catharsis.This is highly likely due to Giles’ comprehensive research and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Relevance of Giles’ Work

Published in 2016,Russia’s war on Everybody remains remarkably prescient in light of subsequent events,including Russia’s annexation of crimea,interference in foreign elections,and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.The invasion of Ukraine serves as a stark validation of Giles’ warnings about Russia’s expansionist ambitions and its willingness to disregard international law.

The book’s enduring relevance underscores the urgent need for Western policymakers to heed its lessons. A deeper understanding of Russia’s strategic mindset and its methods of hybrid warfare is essential for effectively countering its threats and safeguarding the principles of a rules-based international order. Russia’s War on Everybody is not just a historical analysis; it’s a vital guide for navigating the complex and perilous geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.