My publishers for the second edition of the book, New Europe Books and Academic Studies Press, asked me to write up a summary about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For me, a “summary” adds up to 100+ pages but the good news for you is that it is available for free on the book website. Simply go to the top menu on that website and click on Special Companion.
This Special Companion is completely free to access!
It was understood when I wrote this (over 2024) that anything about current events could quickly become obsolete and out of date, so my focus was less on describing current events and more on putting them in a historical context. Obviously things are moving fast nowadays but broader historical themes — which can still have an important impact on outcomes — are still at play. The idea is to provide you with some background as you try to filter through the barrage of events and propaganda gushing from media nowadays like a firehose.
There are also all sorts of politics (rightwing-vs.-leftwing, West-vs.-Russia (or China), Postwar-world-order-vs.-Post-postwar-world order, etc.) swirling around these events that can distort the picture we get from politicians, media, interest groups, etc. My goal with this Special Companion was not to take sides or try to steer you towards any particular interpretation of these events, but — again — to simply put them in a historical context. That said, full disclosure: I am not neutral. I have strong opinions about these events. In fact, I have family and friends very much in the path of what’s happening. I try to address my own biases in this companion, so you at least know where I’m coming from.
Give this a read and let me know what you think, or feel free to ask any questions!
— Tomek
