Russia's Wars of Emergence

Book excerpt: Russia's emergence as a Great Power in the eighteenth century is usually attributed to Peter Is radical programme of Westernising reforms. But the Russian military did not simply copy European armies. Adapting the tactics of its neighbours on both sides, Russia created a powerful strategy of its own, integrating steppe defence with European concerns. In Russia's Wars of Emergence, Carol Stevens examines the social and political factors underpinning Muscovite military history, the eventual success of the Russian Empire in the 18th century, and the sacrifices made for power.