"Putin's Wars is a timely overview of the conflicts in which Russia has been involved since Vladimir Putin became prime minister and then president of Russia, from the First Chechen War to the two military incursions into Georgia, the annexation of Crimea and the eventual invasion of Ukraine itself. But it also looks more broadly at Putin's recreation of Russian military power and its expansion to include a range of new capabilities, from mercenaries to operatives in a relentless information war against Western powers. This is an engrossing strategic overview of a rejuvenated Russian military and the successes and failures on the battlefield"-- Provided by publisher.

Born in chaos --A military in crisis -- The first Chechen War -- The wars of Russian assertion -- Putin's priorities -- The second Chechen War -- Ivanov, the initiator - Serdyukov, the enforcer -- Georgia, 2008 (1) : Tbilisi's move... -- Georgia, 2008 (2) : ...Moscow's counter -- 'New Look' army -- The new Cold War. Shoigu, the rebuilder -- Crimea, 2014 -- Donbas, 2014- -- Lessons of the Donbas War -- Syria, 2015- (1) : the unexpected intervention -- Syria, 2015- (2) : lessons of the Syrian campaign -- Rumble for ruble -- Armiya Rossii -- The sky is Russia's! -- Contesting the sea -- Power projection : blue and black berets -- The Spetsnaz -- The nuclear backstop -- Political warfare -- New Generation warfare -- The challenges of the future -- Ukraine 2022 : Putin's last war? -- Conclusions : The Eurasian Sparta?