The New Cold War

The New Cold War examines the growing tensions between Russia and the West, with a focus on developments since Vladimir Putin came to power. Lucas, a journalist with extensive experience covering Eastern Europe and Russia, outlines the political and economic dynamics at play. The book traces how Russia has leveraged its energy resources and financial power to influence neighboring states and Western Europe. Documentation of cyber attacks, propaganda campaigns, and interventions in former Soviet states builds a case for viewing current Russia-West relations through a Cold War framework. Lucas provides analysis of Western policy failures and miscalculations in dealing with Russia's resurgence over recent decades. His insider perspective as a long-time correspondent in the region informs the detailed accounts of key events and personalities. The work stands as both a warning about Russian geopolitical ambitions and an argument for a more cohesive Western response. Its themes of energy dependency, information warfare, and the balance of power in Europe have only gained relevance since publication.

Readers cite Lucas's deep knowledge of Eastern European politics and his prescient warnings about Putin's Russia from 2008. Many highlight how events since publication have validated his assessment of Russia's aggressive intentions. What readers liked: - Detailed analysis of Russia's use of energy policy as leverage - First-hand reporting from Baltic states and former Soviet regions - Clear explanation of post-Cold War developments What readers disliked: - Some found the tone alarmist and anti-Russian - Several note outdated examples and statistics - A few criticize the focus on Eastern Europe while overlooking other regions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (486 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) "Lucas predicted many of Putin's moves years before they happened" - Goodreads reviewer "Too focused on painting Russia as purely antagonistic" - Amazon reviewer "The energy policy chapter alone is worth the price" - LibraryThing reviewer

Putin's World by Fiona Hill The book provides facts about Putin's Russia, its foreign policy goals, and its strategies to regain influence in former Soviet territories.

The Return of History by Jennifer Welsh This analysis examines the resurgence of authoritarianism, nationalism, and great power competition in the post-Cold War world.

The Long Hangover by Shaun Walker The text explores Russia's relationship with its Soviet past and how this shapes current Russian domestic and foreign policy decisions.

Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible by Peter Pomerantsev This work details the mechanisms of modern Russian propaganda and its impact on both domestic and international audiences.

From Cold War to Hot Peace by Michael McFaul The book presents a first-hand account of US-Russia relations from the fall of the Soviet Union through the post-2014 period of renewed tensions.

🔵 Edward Lucas was the first Western journalist to predict Russia's invasion of Georgia in 2008, demonstrating the book's prescient understanding of regional tensions. 🔵 The author served as The Economist's Moscow bureau chief and has covered Eastern European affairs since 1986, giving him over three decades of direct experience with the region's political transformation. 🔵 The book was published in 2008, yet accurately predicted many of Russia's later aggressive actions, including its use of energy supplies as a political weapon against European nations. 🔵 Edward Lucas coined the term "WhiteBella" to describe the close alliance between Belarus and Russia, highlighting the subtle ways Russia maintains influence over former Soviet states. 🔵 The book's analysis of Russia's cyber warfare capabilities preceded several major cyber attacks, including the 2007 attack on Estonia's digital infrastructure, which Lucas detailed as a warning of things to come.