Understanding Russian Strategic Behavior. Imperial Strategic Culture and Putin's Operational Code: Graeme P. Herd, Abingdon & New York, NY: Routledge, 2022, 262pp., £34.99 ebook.

In the book "Understanding Russian Strategic Behavior: Imperial Strategic Culture and Putin's Operational Code" by Graeme P. Herd, the author explores the fusion of Russian strategic culture with President Vladimir Putin's operational code. The book delves into the characteristics of Russian strategic culture, such as the belief in Russia as a great power and the perception of external threats. It also examines the impact of the Tsarist and Soviet periods on Putin's leadership style and foreign policy decisions. The book concludes by discussing alternative power transition scenarios and the tensions between stability and the need for modernization in Russia. Overall, this comprehensive book provides valuable insights into Russia's foreign, security, and defense policies under President Putin. [Extracted from the article]