Col Doug Macgregor: Europe No Longer at Peace w/Russia

'Nicholas and Alexandra' is a historical biography that tells the story of the last Tsar and Tsarina of Russia. Robert K. Massie delves into the personal lives, political decisions, and historical context surrounding Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra, leading up to the Russian Revolution. The book provides insights into their characters, their relationships with family and advisors, and the challenges they faced in governing a changing Russia. The narrative explores the factors that contributed to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty, including war, social unrest, and political missteps. Massie's work is praised for its detailed research and compelling storytelling, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of a pivotal moment in Russian history.

In this book, Paul Kennedy examines the historical patterns of the rise and fall of great powers, including Greece, Rome, Spain, France, Germany, and England. He argues that the strength of a great power is relative to other powers and correlates strongly with available resources and economic durability. Kennedy introduces the concept of 'imperial overstretch,' where military commitments become unsustainable once a power loses its economic competitive edge. The book also predicts the decline of the United States and the Soviet Union and the rise of Japan and China, based on their economic and military strategies.