The Russia Trap, George Beebe
The Russia Trap, George Beebe
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The Russia Trap
How Our Shadow War with Russia Could Spiral into Nuclear Catastrophe

Author: George Beebe

Narrator: L.J. Ganser

Unabridged: 7 hr 7 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 09/03/2019


Synopsis

Every American president since the end of the Cold War has called for better relations with Russia. But each has seen relations get worse by the time he left office. Now the two countries are facing off in a virtual war being fought without clear goals or boundaries.

Why? Many say it is because Washington has been slow to wake up to Russian efforts to destroy democracy in America and the world.

But a former head of Russia analysis at the CIA says that this misunderstands the problem. George Beebe argues that new game-changing technologies, disappearing rules of the game, and distorted perceptions on both sides are combining to lock Washington and Moscow into an escalatory spiral that they do not recognize. All the pieces are in place for a World War I-type tragedy that could be triggered by a small, unpredictable event. The Russia Trap shows that anticipating this danger is the most important step in preventing it.

About George Beebe

George Beebe is the Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for the National Interest, a non-partisan thinktank in Washington, D.C. He served in government for nearly twenty-five years, including as director of Russia analysis at CIA and as a White House adviser on Russia matters for Vice President Dick Cheney. He lives in northern Virginia with his wife Sarah Miller Beebe, their four children, and two dogs.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jim on December 11, 2020

Well written, but too soft on Russia. I am very skeptical given Putin's anti-democratic and aggressive actions.......more

Goodreads review by Stephen on September 06, 2019

Author George Beebe examines US-Russian relations in light of technological advances, misperceptions, and cyberwarfare. I admire the even-handed scholarly approach without overt political partisanship. But the author's worries of nuclear catastrophe between the US and Russia seem overblown at this p......more

Goodreads review by Robert on December 29, 2024

The Russia Trap, written by the former director of the CIA's Russia analysis team and senior advisor on Russian affairs to the White House, is a critically important challenge to the dominant foreign policy perception and approach to Moscow. Bebee articulately explores the slow burn escalation spiral......more

Goodreads review by Mandy on January 21, 2020

A thoughtful and insightful exploration of the relationship between the USA and Russia and the many pitfalls that perhaps could be avoided by a deeper understanding between these two very different nations. I found the book accessible – not always the case with political tomes – and convincing. I do......more

Goodreads review by Derek on August 02, 2020

Amazing essay of the West's current relationship with the Federation of Russia which fundamentally changed how I view this difficult situation by providing historical context and driving factors from both the Russian and American lens. Politically conscious citizens will get a lot out of this relati......more