President Putin made three foundational assumptions in launching his war against Ukraine that should have been correct but were not. First, Putin assumed the invasion of Ukraine would be a quick and easy fight. Second, he assumed the world would denounce the invasion but tacitly allow it. Third, Putin assumed the war would deter NATO expansion.
Overall, Cult of the Irrelevant is a timely, well-researched, and thought-provoking book that is a worthy read for anyone interested in how to reform academia, improve policymaking, or both. Readers may not agree with all of Desch’s arguments, but they will be inspired to think more deeply about these issues.
