School of War Ep 243: Alexander Mikaberidze on Russia’s Failed Battle with Turkey… in 1809
Oct 31, 2025
Alexander Mikaberidze, a history professor and Napoleonic scholar, explores the strategic blunders of the Russo-Ottoman War, particularly the disastrous siege of Brăila in 1809. He discusses the importance of siege warfare alongside decisive battles and contrasts Russian and Ottoman military strategies. Mikaberidze delves into Kutuzov’s evolution as a commander, highlighting his shift from aggressive tactics to a more cautious approach. He also examines lessons on military culture, accountability, and adaptation drawn from the campaign's failures.
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Sieges Persisted Alongside Napoleon's Mobility
- Napoleonic-era warfare ran two tracks: mobile decisive battles and traditional fortress sieges which coexisted across theaters.
- Siege warfare remained central in eastern theaters where fortresses blocked operational maneuver and supply.
Geography Shapes Strategic Choice
- Terrain and enemy logistics force different strategic choices; fortresses in the Danube limited Russian operational options.
- Napoleon's style worked where opponents offered decisive battles, but eastern campaigns required siegecraft.
Ismail Became The Model For Storming Fortresses
- Russian officers debated between Suvorov's rapid, costly assaults and Potemkin's slow reductions after earlier campaigns.
- The Suvorov storming of Ismail became a cultural exemplar many tried to imitate without matching his success.
