No. 196: Russian Security/Defense

Author(s): Richard Connolly, Stephen Aris, Bettina Renz
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perović, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder, Aglaya Snetkov
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 196
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, George Washington University
Publication Year: 2016

This edition considers defence and security issues. Firstly, Richard Connolly notes that on the surface the recently-approved 2017–19 budget suggests that the recent rapid growth in defence spending is coming to an end, but closer inspection reveals that the defence industry/military will remain an important priority for the Russian leadership. Secondly, Stephen Aris examines recent developments relating to the Collective Security Treaty Organization, arguing that it will not take significant steps forward in the near future, because Moscow’s attention is increasingly being drawn elsewhere. Thirdly, Bettina Renz stresses that there are significant limitations on Russia’s ability to project military power on a global level, but also highlights that Moscow is now more confident in using force as part of its foreign policy.

Download:

English (PDF)