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UnderratedReads is devoted to discovering underrated books and under-represented authors. We highlight hidden gems from around the world–honest reviews only, never pay-to-play.
Tag Archives: Russia
An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine – Alexander Vindman
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Without Ukraine, Russia is a country; with Ukraine, it’s an empire.” Without an independent Ukraine we will see an acceleration of authoritarianism. (more…)Read More →
Posted in Revisited
Tagged authoritarianism, democracy, Russia, Ukraine
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Happy New Year 2026
(by JD Jung) We at UnderratedReads wish all our readers a safe and happy New Year filled with health and love throughout 2026. Personally, I want to emphasize the importance of continuing to stand against fascism and authoritarianism. There is … Continue reading
Posted in Let's talk
Tagged authoritarianism, coffee, democracy, fascism, New Year, refugees, Russia, Ukraine
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A Recommended Read for ‘No Kings Day’: Autocracy Inc. – Anne Applebaum
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “The autocracies want to create a global system that benefits thieves, criminals, dictators, and the perpetrators of mass murder. We can stop them.” Historian and journalist Anne Applebaum suggests what democracies can do to save their … Continue reading
The Illegals: Russia’s Most Audacious Spies and Their Century-Long Mission to Infiltrate the West: Shaun Walker
(Reviewed by Christopher J. Lynch) Plenty of people love to read crime novels. Others are fans of true crime. Some tastes tend toward the spy thriller genre. But what about a true spy story? The Illegals, by Journalist Shaun Walker, … Continue reading
Posted in History, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice
Tagged cold war, Russia, Soviet Union, spy
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The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine – Alexander Vindman
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Without Ukraine, Russia is a country; with Ukraine, it’s an empire.” Without an independent Ukraine we will see an acceleration of authoritarianism. This war is a fight between authoritarianism and democracy. So how did we get … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, History, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged authoritarianism, democracy, Russia, Ukraine
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An UnderratedRead Revisited:Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World – Anne Applebaum
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “The autocracies want to create a global system that benefits thieves, criminals, dictators, and the perpetrators of mass murder. We can stop them.” Historian and journalist Anne Applebaum, suggests what democracies can do to save their … Continue reading
Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World – Anne Applebaum
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “The autocracies want to create a global system that benefits thieves, criminals, dictators, and the perpetrators of mass murder. We can stop them.” Historian and journalist Anne Applebaum, suggests what democracies can do to save their … Continue reading
Posted in History, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice, Social Justice, World Issues
Tagged autocracy, China, democracy, dictatorship, Iran, murder, politics, Russia, Venezuela
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Russia’s War on Everybody: And What it Means for You – Keir Giles
(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 … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged cyber-crime, disinformation, espionage, history, media, murder, politics, Putin, Russia, Soviet Union
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The Moscow Affair: A Nicole Graves Mystery – Nancy Boyarsky
(reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned Private investigator Nicole Grave’s fiancé , Reinhardt, has disappeared. Actually, it’s not that unusual. First, he worked as a chief inspector for the London Metropolitan Police. He then took a rather secretive job, where his … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged espionage, Moscow, murder, Russia
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Russia’s War on Everybody: And What it Means for You – Keir Giles
(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 … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged cyber-crime, disinformation, espionage, media, military, Putin, Russia, Soviet Union, war
Comments Off on An UnderratedRead Revisited: Russia’s War on Everybody: And What it Means for You – Keir Giles