The Stakes of a Global War - by Andrei Piontkovsky

Book Synopsis

The Stakes of a Global War is a compelling collection of editorial articles spanning over two decades, from 1999 to 2025, by one of the bravest and most insightful commentators writing on Russia today, Andrei Piontkovsky. This powerful work dissects the rise of "Putinism" and its profound impact on Russia and the world stage.
Piontkovsky, a Russian scientist and political writer, offers a sharp, polemical analysis of Vladimir Putin's presidency, tracing Russia's shift from a nascent "New Russia" to an aggressive, authoritarian state. From early warnings about totalitarian tendencies to stark predictions of war, the book chronicles events like the Chechen conflict, the annexation of Crimea, and the escalating tensions leading to a global crisis. With a keen eye for political maneuvering and societal shifts, Piontkovsky's writings delve into the Kremlin's strategies, the manipulation of public opinion, and the West's complex relationship with Russia. The collection also examines the 2024 US presidential election and its implications for international relations, alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine. Featuring a preface by Leonid Nevzlin, this book provides a critical perspective on contemporary history, offering insights into the forces shaping our world and the high stakes of global conflict. Piontkovsky's work is both a historical record and a prophetic warning, challenging readers to confront the realities of power and the fragility of peace.

Review Quotes

"Andrei Piontkovsky's honest, stinging and insightful commentaries on the Russian president in particular, and Russian politics in general, follow the long tradition in Russia of 'laughter through tears.' Gems of satire and political analysis, his essays reflect the heart of a Russian patriot with strong sense of universal justice. Avoiding narrow nationalism in his compelling views on Russia's place in the world, he has produced a book worthy of wide attention among Americans as well as Russians."

- General William E. Odom, United States Army Lieutenant General, Former Director of the National Security Agency

"Andrei Piontkovsky is one of the keenest observers of Russian politics today. In this book, he laces analysis and opinion to produce a hard-hitting critique of Russian domestic politics
and sobering assessment of Russia's external behavior. This book is must reading for anyone who aspires to understand Putin's Russia."

- Michael McFaul, Former United States Ambassador to Russia

About the Author

Andrei Piontkovsky is a Russian scientist, political writer, and analyst. He is a member of the International PEN Club and a former member of the Russian Opposition Coordination Council. Piontkovsky is the author of several books on the Putin presidency, including Another Look into Putin's Soul and Russian Identity (published by the Hudson Institute). In 2017, Piontkovsky was awarded the Andrei Sahkarov Prize for "Courage in Journalism."

Jason Galie is a Russian language analyst at Booz Allen Hamilton and has taught Russian at Columbia University, Middlebury College, the Defense Language Institute, and The George Washington University. He lives in Washington, DC.