(Reviewed by JD Jung)
When I started reading Russia’s War on Everybody: And What it Means for You, I thought “I know all of this.”, as I considered myself relatively informed on the subject. However, I am so glad that I continued to read this fascinating, but troubling book. There is so much I was totally unaware of!
British author Keir Giles explains how Russia uses its military, espionage, media, cyber, organized crime, and other methods to accomplish their objectives. In addition to extensive research, he interviewed nearly forty people throughout the world. Among them were professors, diplomats, military officers and soldiers, and cybersecurity experts. They relate their accounts of Russia’s campaign against the West.
In addition to well-publicized attacks, he has included those relatively unknown to Americans, as they have occurred in numerous countries, such as the UK, Sweden, Finland, Australia, and Estonia. He has provided specific examples of electronic warfare, murder, sabotage, intimidation, identity theft, and disinformation. He explains Russia’s role in Brexit and how Russia exploits weaknesses and vulnerabilities in Western countries. Their attacks extend further than traditional targets.
Giles teaches us the history of the government mindset, which traces back to the Russian Empire. Will Russia’s actions change after Putin?
There is a lot of detail in this book, but it is necessary to educate us on the dangers, as well as to convince the naysayers. Which countries have fared better in protecting themselves against Russian influence? How do they continue to accomplish that?
So, what can we and our governments do to protect us against Russian influence? How can we contain Russia within its own borders?
So, if the Russian threat is not on your radar, it should be. If you are not even concerned, after reading Russia’s War on Everybody: And What it Means for You, you will be!
(Reviewer’s note: Consider this book when you hear U.S. politicians demand cuts to aid to Ukraine, where there are no American boots on the ground. Ukrainians are not only fighting this war for themselves, but for all of us in the free world! )
