More history (but different)

I read all sorts of stuff, some I agree with and some I don’t, some for pure enjoyment, some to learn from and some to enrich my historical knowledge and hopefully to keep me balanced. This book is extremely well written and falls in the latter categories.
There are so many parallels with the current Ukrainian conflict, the horrific consequences for civilians, historical misinterpretations of national boundaries and the racial and cultural prejudices passed down over hundreds of years. All you need is a despot or two in the mix and history is littered with the consequences.