Understand the historical context of the crisis.
Ukraine: Then and Now by
Historical perspective on the republics that once made up the Soviet Union and the choices and challenges that have shaped where they are today is the focus of The Former Soviet Union: Then and Now. All books in the series examine important political, economic, and cultural events during the Soviet period and since the Soviet Union's collapse. Challenges that lie ahead are also explored. Quotes from recognized experts, respected news organizations, and other knowledgeable sources add depth and perspective to the text as do maps, sidebars, and key facts. Book jacket.
Who Lost Russia? : How the World Entered a New Cold War by
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was hailed as the beginning of a new era of peace and co-operation between East and West. But in the years since, Russia has made incursions into Georgia, Ukraine and Syria, leaving the Western powers at a loss. What went wrong? Drawing on exclusive interviews with key players, Peter Conradi examines the pivotal moments of the past quarter of a century and outlines how we might get relations back on track before it's too late. Who Lost Russia? provides the essential background to understanding the bizarre and shifting relationship between Trump's America and Putin's Russia. This updated edition includes a new chapter on the year following the 2016 US presidential election.
Near and Distant Neighbors by
A uniquely comprehensive and rich account of the Soviet intelligence services, Jonathan Haslam'sNear and Distant Neighborscharts the labyrinthine story of Soviet intelligence from the October Revolution to the end of the Cold War. Previous histories have focused on the KGB, leaving military intelligence and the special service--which focused on codes and ciphers--lurking in the shadows. Drawing on previously neglected Russian sources, Haslam reveals how both were in fact crucial to the survival of the Soviet state. This was especially true after Stalin's death in 1953, as the Cold War heated up and dedicated Communist agents the regime had relied upon--Klaus Fuchs, the Rosenbergs, Donald Maclean--were betrayed. In thewake of these failures, Nikita Khrushchev and his successors discarded ideological recruitment in favor of blackmail and bribery. The tactical turn was so successful that we can draw only one conclusion: the West ultimately triumphed despite, not because of, the espionage war. In bringing to light the obscure inhabitants of an undercover intelligence world, Haslam offers a surprising and unprecedented portrayal of Soviet success that is not only fascinating but also essential to understanding Vladimir Putin's power today.
As with any unfolding news story, it is important to consider the source. Read from a variety of sources, verify outlandish or surprising reports, and remember that as events are happening, no one has the whole story.
Hitting a paywall when you're reading news online? Look for articles in library databases.
The following sources are from the top/middle of the Ad Fontes Media Media Bias Chart. See library databases if content is not freely available.