"Trenin's succinct, balanced, and thoughtful book is a valuable guide to modern Russian history as seen from the other side."Sir Rodric Braithwaite, former British ambassador in Moscow and author of Armageddon & Paranoia: The Nuclear Confrontation"A brilliant, concise interpretation of 120 years of Russian history, plus an insightful look at the future. Essential reading for all concerned about the dangerous – and unnecessary – revival of Cold War tensions."Jack Matlock, former US ambassador and author of Reagan and Gorbachev: How the Cold War Ended“Admirably succinct and thought-provoking”Edward Lucas, The Times“Trenin provides a succinct account of Russia’s turbulent twentieth-century history in this informative book.”Angela Stent, Survival