Putin's War in Syria

Anna Borshchevskaya's "Putin's War in Syria: Russian Foreign Policy and the Price of America's Absence" examines Russia's military intervention in Syria and situates it within a broader analysis of Vladimir Putin's foreign policy ambitions. The book argues that Moscow's involvement in the Syrian conflict, beginning with direct military action in 2015, was not simply a response to events on the ground but part of a calculated strategy to restore Russian influence in the Middle East and challenge the post-Cold War international order shaped largely by the United States.

Borshchevskaya, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, brings substantial expertise in Russian foreign policy to this work. She traces the historical roots of Russia's relationship with Syria back to the Soviet era, when Damascus served as a key ally and client state in the region. This historical grounding helps readers understand why Syria held particular significance for Moscow when the civil war threatened to topple the Assad government, a longstanding Russian partner.

The book's central thesis revolves around the idea that American disengagement from the Middle East, particularly under the Obama administration, created a vacuum that Russia was eager to fill. Borshchevskaya contends that Putin recognized an opportunity to demonstrate that Russia remained a global power capable of projecting military force beyond its immediate borders and shaping outcomes in a region long dominated by Western influence. This argument is woven throughout the narrative, with the author repeatedly connecting Russian actions in Syria to Putin's broader ambitions of restoring what he perceives as Russia's rightful place on the world stage.

One of the book's strengths lies in its detailed examination of the military and diplomatic tactics Russia employed during the intervention. Borshchevskaya describes the coordination between Russian forces and the Assad government, the use of Russian air power to shift the balance of the conflict, and the diplomatic maneuvering that allowed Moscow to position itself as an indispensable player in any resolution to the Syrian crisis. The author also addresses the human cost of the conflict, though the book's primary focus remains on the strategic and geopolitical dimensions rather than a comprehensive humanitarian account.

The author draws connections between Syria and other instances of Russian assertiveness, including the annexation of Crimea and involvement in eastern Ukraine, framing these events as part of a consistent pattern in Putin's approach to foreign policy. This comparative approach helps readers see Syria not as an isolated incident but as one chapter in a longer story of Russian efforts to reassert influence in areas where Western power has receded or wavered.

Borshchevskaya writes with clarity and organizes her arguments in a logical progression, making the book accessible to readers who may not have extensive background knowledge of either Russian politics or Middle Eastern affairs. She avoids excessive technical jargon, though the subject matter naturally requires engagement with military and diplomatic terminology. The book benefits from the author's evident command of Russian-language sources and her familiarity with Kremlin decision-making processes, lending credibility to her analysis.

Some readers may find that the book's focus on Russian strategic calculations occasionally overshadows deeper exploration of Syrian perspectives or the experiences of ordinary Syrians affected by the conflict. The emphasis remains squarely on great power politics and the implications for American foreign policy, which aligns with the book's stated purpose but may leave those seeking a more Syria-centered narrative wanting additional context.

The book also raises important questions about American foreign policy choices and their consequences, encouraging reflection on how disengagement from certain regions can create openings for rival powers to expand their influence. This dimension of the analysis extends the book's relevance beyond a narrow focus on Syria, inviting consideration of broader patterns in international relations.

Overall, "Putin's War in Syria" offers a well-researched and thoughtfully argued account of Russian foreign policy during a pivotal period in Middle Eastern history. Borshchevskaya's expertise shines through in her careful documentation of Russian strategic thinking and her ability to connect specific events in Syria to larger geopolitical trends. The book serves as a valuable resource for readers interested in understanding Russia's role in contemporary international affairs and the broader implications of shifting power dynamics in a region long shaped by American influence.