Book Review: Hubris The Origins of Russia's War Against Ukraine by Jonathan Haslam

Publication date September 2024

I am grateful to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book, subtitled “The Origins of Russia’s War Against Ukraine” is written by a British historian and author who mostly writes about the Soviet Union and Russia. He is associated with multiple prominent UK and US ‘Ivy-League’ universities. While this may have been something to emphasis the author’s credentials in the past, given the behaviour we have observed from many universities of late (problematic and very public views around several issues including politics, culture and finance) I’m a little wary now of certain academic and ‘elite’ viewpoints of history.

The context of this book surrounds the views, actions and events of the decades following World War II, leading up to the current war in Ukraine. Particular emphasis is placed on the downfall of the Soviet Union and repercussions since. We are given a summary of Cold War issues and the largely self-inflicted disintegration of the Soviet Union; events welcomed by Europe, the US and of course the many ‘Soviet’ States that suffered under Russian domination. The contributing role of Europe, the US and in particular NATO is presented along with multiple references, footnotes and quotations.

I found the factual elements of these decades useful and the Russian views (or at least those of the Russian ‘elites’, various diplomats, military, politicians and business leaders) informative and enlightening. However the author’s tone, language, presentation of facts, his views and conclusions are largely anti-American, occasionally anti-European and seldom critical of Russia. One is left with an excellent recounting of events but a biased almost apologetic view of Russia’s actions leading up to the 2014 and 2022 Ukraine invasions.

Nevertheless, this book is a great reference for those unfamiliar with or perhaps forgetful of the events of past decades. The author explains Russia’s concerns since WW II, particularly related to NATO expansion and the perceived ‘threat’ to the Soviet Union. Post the break-up of the Soviet Union, continued NATO expansion is a constant theme the author describes along with his views, and those of the US, Europe and Russia.

The author assigns much of the blame of the current conflict to NATO and Western leaders. Other background and foreground events are presented as contributory factors. The breakup of Yugoslavia, German Unification, European and American domestic & international politics and ambitions. Two Gulf Wars, conflicts in Kosovo and Georgia plus the ‘Arab Spring’ are presented, adding to the perceived threats and humiliations felt by Russia. More recent conflicts in the Arab world, particularly Libya and Syria are also presented alongside Russia’s actions, justifications and views. And of course the rise of Putin is documented and explained.

The author of course has the benefit of hindsight in forming his views and opinions as well as abundant published and private material now available. Perhaps this in some ways explains the superior, snide and sometime snarky references to US and European politicians, diplomats and military figures. Abundant quotations are presented, all referenced but frequently the context is unclear. Facts are presented as “undeniable” or “without question true”. Qualifications which are presumably not necessary, and leave me feeling a little uneasy. While participants in the West are usually named, castigated and much-maligned, those in Russia are often anonymous and vaguely referred to as Russians with certain “thoughts”, “views” or “feelings”. Given that author writes in English and perhaps his references are dominantly also in English, this is somewhat understandable. Nevertheless, it distracts from the factual events recounted and adds to the overall anti-American pro-Russian tone.

Few of the Western politicians, diplomats and military leaders receive any accolades for their actions. Disturbingly, the author judges their morals and judgements, as well as what he sees as their venal and self-serving behaviour. While Russian officials seem to be more generally viewed with tolerance, understanding and a grudging respect. Whilst he may have a point, indeed several valid points regarding Western officials, none of this actually justifies Russia’s 2014 and 2022 invasions into Ukraine. Are these invasions really the equivalent of the West ‘removing Kosovo from Serbia’ ?

The book draws to a conclusion shortly after the full-scale 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with abundant blame for various administrations including Reagan, Bush (HW), Clinton, Bush (W) Obama, Trump, Biden, Merkel, Macron and many more familiar names. Putin’s power has consolidated over time. The West has become ambivalent towards external conflicts. Europe has become reliant on Russia for energy resources providing prosperity.

Apart from the occasional glaring error (referring to Nord Stream II as an oil pipeline…) in totality, the book is an excellent, largely chronological recounting of events, issues, key decisions and outcomes over many decades, leading up to the war in Ukraine today. The interpretations and assumptions along with snide personal remarks clearly show the authors bias, which distracts from the factual narrative. Perhaps most useful are the author’s recounting of the Russian officials; their historical views, concerns, perceived humiliations and the circumstances that lead to their interventions and military actions in several countries, including of course Ukraine. This narrative allows the reader to better understand the Russian Worldview; without accepting or indulging their aggressive behaviour and attitudes.

Despite the above critique, I enjoyed this book, often seeking further information online when a particular person, issue or event left me wanting to know more. I recommend it to anyone unfamiliar with or forgetful of Soviet/Russian and Western/US views, activities and relationships since World War II. The author makes clear Russia’s justification for invasions of Ukraine. After reading this book, I am much better informed of the views and actions from many participants. Nevertheless, I remain unconvinced the historical analysis, perceived threats and humiliations justify the Russian actions we see today.