The Russo-Chechen conflict, spanning two centuries, is examined for its enduring bitterness and the roots of its recent violent outbreaks. The book, authored by a journalist with deep experience in the former Soviet Union and the Caucasus, meticulously charts the history between Russia and the Chechens. It delves into the nature of Soviet politics and its armed forces, analyzing the successes and failures of the transition from communist to post-communist values after 1991, seeking to explain the persistent warfare.

The book is presented as an authoritative account by an experienced journalist, offering a detailed historical perspective on the long-standing conflict between Russia and the Chechens. Its analysis extends to the political and military structures of the Soviet era and the challenges of post-communist transitions. The work aims to provide context for the recent outbreaks of warfare by examining the deep historical roots of the animosity. The author's background suggests a grounded and informed perspective on the subject matter.