Russian Information Warfare by Bilyana Lilly is a thorough and tremendously important look at what has become perhaps the main front in Russia's constant state of warfare.

Through case studies, both deep diving into and comparing elements of each, Lilly shows how Russia has no intention, nor even a goal of, pursuing peace, they are in various stages of warfare at all times. The objects of their attacks are the western nations, primarily NATO nations that they paranoidly consider threats.

At one point I would have thought a book like this would help any country become stronger against the threat. You know, the informed citizenry argument. Unfortunately, the Republicans are also in a constant state of war with their own country, so the whole informed citizenry thing only applies to part of the country. If the GOP ever decide governing is more important than simply having power and (mis)ruling, this book will help us protect ourselves. Until then, The GOP and Russia are working together, explicitly and implicitly, so the enemy is both within and without.

The first part of the book might seem the driest but is important to establish what is and is not being assessed, in addition to how. Once you get past that, which frankly isn't too bad, the book is actually quite engaging as well as informative.

Highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand how wars will be, at least partially, fought in the future (and present). The Russians are seeking to defeat their enemies from within, they are targeting the weakest links (GOP here in the US) and leading them to asinine conclusions.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )