This included a Russian language class and a course on Soviet history. “I became fascinated by this experiment to build the world’s first workers’ state and state socialism,” he said.

In his case, one-quarter Russian, one-quarter Koniag, and one-half Déné Athabscan. Lukin’s grandfather was Russian, and his father had risen to esteem and status within the company.

These meticulously researched books illuminate the history of two storied Russian military outfits. Bukkvoll, a Norwegian defense analyst, uses a vast range of sources to put together a comprehensive ...