Review by Choice Review
In Deception, Sakwa (University of Kent, England) tackles the topic of Russiagate and the 2016 US election. As a historical record, the book is invaluable. Sakwa uses his significant knowledge of Russia and his strong research skills to provide a detailed, thorough account of the events leading up to and following the 2016 election. This book will serve as an important reference on this controversy. Problems arise when the author seeks the motivation for these events. Sakwa argues the US intelligence community played up potential links between Trump and Russia to continue its somewhat hostile foreign policy. They worried that Trump would change this policy and used the scandal as a form of deception. Though the argument merits consideration, the book makes some leaps to reach this conclusion. To use one example, Sakwa asserts that the negative change in US public opinion toward Russia between 2004 and 2019 is the result of the Russiagate scandal, but he does not consider Russia's actions in invading Georgia and Ukraine. The book is useful as a reference but less so for its conclusions. Summing Up: Recommended. With reservations. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. --Justin R. Clardie, Northwest Nazarene University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
