Summary of Ukraine and the Art of Strategy
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Qualities
- Controversial
- Analytical
- Background
Recommendation
For a time, Vladimir Putin seemed to have outmaneuvered the rest of the world. When he snatched a chunk of Ukraine and the great powers did nothing, Putin appeared strong, while the hand-wringing West appeared inept. Half a decade later, however, Putin’s strategic acumen looks less acute that it once did, Lawrence Freedman argues in this concise post-mortem. The experts thought Putin was playing chess. In truth, Freedman asserts, Putin was playing a game closer to his heart: judo – a sport where the sudden takedown is far more important than the long-term consequences of any action.
About the Author
Sir Lawrence Freedman is emeritus professor of war studies at King’s College London. His previous books include Strategy: A History and The Future of War: A History.