McNab, Chris The Great Bear at War. The Russian and Soviet Army, 1917-Present

From the chaos of the civil war to the political manoeuvring of the Cold War, Russia's armed forces have shaped the future not only of Russia but of countless other countries around the globe. "The Great Bear at War. The Russian and Soviet Army, 1917-Present" explores the development and struggles of Soviet and Russian armed forces across the numerous conflicts which mark its history. It charts the great historical events that have defined the Red/Russian Army, especially World War 2 and the Cold War, but also the post-communist insurgencies and wars in which the Russian military has redeveloped its outlook and mission. The post-Soviet development of the Russian military into a modern force is explored in detail, including its controversial campaigns in Chechnya (1999-2009), Georgia (2008), and Ukraine (from 2014). Sewn into the narrative are details about the equipment, uniforms, training, service conditions and weaponry of the Soviet/Russian soldiers, bringing personal experience and technological context to the broader history. At a time when the world is closely focused upon Russian military behaviour, The Great Bear at War is both timely and fascinating.

It traces the major historical events that have defined the Red and Russian armies, notably the Second World War and the Cold War, but also the post-communist insurgencies in former Soviet republics and wars in which the Russian military has redeveloped its outlook and mission. The post-Soviet evolution of the Russian military into a modern force is examined in detail, including its controversial operations in Chechnya (1999-2009), Georgia (2008) and Ukraine (2014 onwards). Woven into the narrative are details of the Soviet/Russian soldiers' equipment, uniforms, training, operational conditions and weaponry, bringing personal experience and technological context to the broader story. At a time when the world is focusing heavily on Russia's military behaviour, "The Great Bear at War" is both timely and fascinating.