📖 Overview
Gregory Feifer is an American journalist and author who specializes in Russian affairs and international relations. His work has focused extensively on Russian politics, society, and the complex relationship between Russia and the West.
As NPR's Moscow correspondent and later Radio Free Europe's senior correspondent, Feifer covered major events including Russia's war in Georgia and the 2004 Beslan school siege. His reporting background informs his books, including "The Great Gamble: The Soviet War in Afghanistan" and "Russians: The People Behind the Power."
Beyond his journalism career, Feifer has served as executive director of the Institute of Current World Affairs and has written for publications including Foreign Affairs and The New Republic. His educational background includes a degree from Harvard University in Russian history and literature.
Feifer's analysis of Russian culture and politics draws from his experiences growing up partly in the Soviet Union, where his mother worked as a foreign correspondent. His work consistently examines the historical and cultural forces that shape modern Russia's domestic and international behavior.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Feifer's first-hand experience in Russia and his integration of personal stories with historical analysis. His book "Russians" received recognition for capturing everyday Russian life and culture through interviews and observations.
Criticism focuses on perceived bias and oversimplification in his analysis of Russian society. Multiple Amazon reviewers noted his tendency to emphasize negative aspects while downplaying positive developments. Some found his writing style repetitive.
"The Great Gamble" drew both praise for its research on the Soviet-Afghan War and complaints about dense military details that slowed the narrative.
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- Russians: 3.7/5 (584 ratings)
- The Great Gamble: 3.8/5 (246 ratings)
Amazon:
- Russians: 4.1/5 (89 reviews)
- The Great Gamble: 4.2/5 (41 reviews)
Common thread in reviews: Readers value Feifer's personal insight but want more balanced analysis and tighter editing.
📚 Books by Gregory Feifer
The Great Gamble: The Soviet War in Afghanistan (2009)
A detailed account of the Soviet Union's disastrous military campaign in Afghanistan from 1979-1989, based on extensive interviews with Russian veterans and primary source documents.
Russians: The People Behind the Power (2014) An examination of contemporary Russian society and culture through portraits of ordinary citizens across the country, exploring how historical patterns continue to influence modern Russian life.
Crisis in Ukraine: No End in Sight to a Conflict that Threatens European Stability (2015) An analysis of the Ukraine crisis and its implications for regional security, drawing on firsthand reporting and historical context.
Ghost Wars: The Great Game in Russia's Borderlands (2020) A study of Russia's involvement and influence in neighboring post-Soviet states, examining conflicts, political maneuvering, and power dynamics in these regions.
Russians: The People Behind the Power (2014) An examination of contemporary Russian society and culture through portraits of ordinary citizens across the country, exploring how historical patterns continue to influence modern Russian life.
Crisis in Ukraine: No End in Sight to a Conflict that Threatens European Stability (2015) An analysis of the Ukraine crisis and its implications for regional security, drawing on firsthand reporting and historical context.
Ghost Wars: The Great Game in Russia's Borderlands (2020) A study of Russia's involvement and influence in neighboring post-Soviet states, examining conflicts, political maneuvering, and power dynamics in these regions.
👥 Similar authors
Anne Applebaum draws from archival research and firsthand reporting to examine Soviet and post-Soviet history, particularly in works like "Red Famine" and "Gulag." Her analysis of Russian and Eastern European politics combines historical depth with contemporary relevance.
David Remnick reported from Moscow during the Soviet collapse and brings deep understanding of Russian culture to his work, including "Lenin's Tomb." His coverage spans politics, literature, and society, examining Russia's transformation from communism.
Masha Gessen writes about Russian politics and society with perspective gained from working as a journalist in Moscow. Their books like "The Man Without a Face" and "The Future is History" examine power structures and social change in post-Soviet Russia.
Orlando Figes focuses on Russian cultural and social history through works like "A People's Tragedy" and "Natasha's Dance." His research incorporates personal narratives and archival materials to explain Russian historical developments.
Robert D. Kaplan analyzes geopolitics and international relations through on-the-ground reporting in works like "The Revenge of Geography." His examination of how geography and culture influence politics aligns with understanding Russia's position in global affairs.
David Remnick reported from Moscow during the Soviet collapse and brings deep understanding of Russian culture to his work, including "Lenin's Tomb." His coverage spans politics, literature, and society, examining Russia's transformation from communism.
Masha Gessen writes about Russian politics and society with perspective gained from working as a journalist in Moscow. Their books like "The Man Without a Face" and "The Future is History" examine power structures and social change in post-Soviet Russia.
Orlando Figes focuses on Russian cultural and social history through works like "A People's Tragedy" and "Natasha's Dance." His research incorporates personal narratives and archival materials to explain Russian historical developments.
Robert D. Kaplan analyzes geopolitics and international relations through on-the-ground reporting in works like "The Revenge of Geography." His examination of how geography and culture influence politics aligns with understanding Russia's position in global affairs.