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Hubris: The American Origins of Russia’s War against Ukraine

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Hubris explores the complex historical and political roots of Russia’s war against Ukraine, revealing the critical role of American policies. This insightful book offers a thorough analysis that deepens understanding of international relations and current global conflicts, essential for readers seeking expert perspectives.

A leading expert on US-Russian relations reveals how the United States and its European allies set the course for the war in Ukraine—and offers a sobering indictment of American foreign policy since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 should not have taken the world by surprise. The attack escalated a war that began in 2014 with the Russian annexation of Crimea, but its origins are visible as far back as the aftermath of the Cold War, when newly independent Ukraine moved to the center of tense negotiations between Russia and the West. The United States was a leading player in this drama. In fact, Jonathan Haslam argues, it was decades of US foreign policy missteps and miscalculations, unchecked and often reinforced by European allies, that laid the groundwork for the current war.

Isolated, impoverished, and relegated to a second-order power on the world stage, Russia grew increasingly resentful of Western triumphalism in the wake of the Cold War. The United States further provoked Russian ire with a campaign to expand NATO into Eastern Europe—especially Ukraine, the most geopolitically important of the former Soviet republics. Determined to extend its global dominance, the United States repeatedly ignored signs that antagonizing Russia would bring consequences. Meanwhile, convinced that Ukraine was passing into the Western sphere of influence, Putin prepared to shift the European balance of power in Russia’s favor.

Timely and incisive, Hubris reveals the assumptions, equivocations, and grievances that have defined the West’s relations with Russia since the twilight of the Soviet Union—and ensured that collision was only a matter of time.

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Hubris: The American Origins of Russia’s War against Ukraine offers a compelling and insightful exploration into the complex geopolitical forces that have shaped one of the most significant conflicts of our time. This meticulously researched book delves into the historical and political dynamics that have influenced the relationship between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of how American foreign policy decisions have played a critical role in the unfolding crisis. Written with clarity and depth, this book is an essential resource for those seeking to grasp the intricate causes behind the war, going beyond surface-level narratives to reveal the underlying motivations and strategic missteps. It enhances the reader’s perspective by connecting contemporary events with broader historical trends, making it an invaluable addition to the collections of students, scholars, policy enthusiasts, and anyone interested in international relations. Hubris enriches everyday life by fostering informed conversations and critical thinking about global affairs, encouraging readers to engage thoughtfully with current events that impact the world stage. Its unique approach combines rigorous analysis with accessible prose, ensuring that complex topics are approachable without sacrificing intellectual rigor. As a thoughtfully crafted work, it stands out among books that tackle international conflict, offering a balanced view that challenges conventional wisdom and invites reflection. Whether used for academic study, professional development, or personal enrichment, Hubris: The American Origins of Russia’s War against Ukraine provides readers with the knowledge and context needed to navigate the complexities of modern geopolitics with greater confidence and insight. This book is a significant contribution to contemporary discourse, making it a vital addition to any bookshelf dedicated to understanding the forces shaping our world.