Russia and the Defeat of Napoleon, 1812–1814

Lieven discusses Russia's role in the Napoleonic Wars of the early nineteenth century. Through examing Western and Russian literature on Russia's part in Napoleon's downfall, the article highlights Russia's involvement, aiming to remind Western and Russian scholars of the importance of Russian geopolitical strategy in 1812. The author argues that Russia should be lauded not only for its logistical and military-operational efforts in the Napoleonic Wars, but also for its contribution to European peace and stability at the time, thus bringing Russia back into the picture as an active agent in European international politics.