Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Preface
Contents
Figures and Table
Summary
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
The Balance of Forces
A Chronology of Events
Russia’s Information Campaign
Russian-Crimean History
Geography
Russia’s Force Posture and Transit Arrangements with Ukraine
Target of Opportunity
Ukrainian Actions Contributing to Russian Success
Force Composition
Use of Deception at the Tactical and Strategic Levels
Use of Conventional Exercises as Cover
Preparing for Counterattack
Psychological Operations
Political Management of Local Elites
Information Operations
Conclusion: Implications and Effects
Chronology of Events
Characteristics of the Eastern Ukraine Operation
The Ukrainian Context
The Information Campaign
The “Separatists”
The Powerful Nonstate Actors Behind Each Camp
Small Investments Yield Small Benefits
Political Warfare Requires Knowing Your Target
Nonstate Actors Matter
Conventional Forces Are Only a Temporary Deterrent
Political Timing Is Important
Russia Struggled to Control Political Warfare
Poor Assumptions Guided Moscow’s Strategy
Hybrid War Was a Brief Adaptation in This Conflict
Conclusion: Implications and Effects
CHAPTER FOUR: Conclusion
A. Information Campaign
B. Timeline (February 18–May 31, 2014)
References