Russian 'hybrid warfare' and the annexation of Crimea: the modern application of Soviet political warfare.

The article discusses a book that explores the continuity of Russia's foreign policy, particularly in relation to its military actions in Ukraine and the historical context of Soviet strategies. The author, Kent DeBenedictis, traces the origins of 'hybrid warfare' back to Soviet 'political warfare', analyzing Moscow's interventions in Czechoslovakia, Afghanistan, and Crimea to illustrate how past practices inform current actions. The book provides a comparative study of these cases, emphasizing the concept of aktivnost, which encompasses various political, informational, and military tools. While the work offers valuable insights into Russia's threat perceptions and the Crimean situation, it also faces critiques regarding its focus and comparative analysis. Overall, it serves as a resource for understanding the complexities of Russia's strategic behavior and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]