Critically assess the evolution of Russian military capabilities since 1991
Referencing required: Chicago 16 – Footnote style.
Substance: Consider the following structural and substantial elements:
The inheritance of a crumbling army
– The collapse of the USSR and the degradation of Russia’s military capabilities and performance from 1991 till 2000 (the election of president Vladmir Putin), and how this contributed to the Country’s international image as a power in decline.
The reasons for Russia’s military revival
– The role of military power, as a tool, in Russian foreign policy throughout history.
– The symbolic importance of “powerful military” for Russia as an essential element in its self- perception as a great power.
– Highlight the following factors: great power status, sovereignty, imperial legacy and collective security responsibility (Multilateralism), in order to contextualize and provide the background for the reasons behind Russia’s military revival.
The evolution of military doctrine
– Comparison and evolution of the Russian military doctrine since the first one published under President Yeltsin in 1993 to the three doctrines published in 2000, 2010 and 2014 respectively. In this regard, highlight the changes that shows how Russia perceives the global and regional security “threats” and “dangers” and how this was reflected on the Country’s plan to re-build and modernize its military capabilities.
– How the evolution of Russia’s military doctrine reflected that defending the Country’s national sovereignty, territorial integrity and maintaining its regional sphere of influence, remains the number one task of the Russian armed forces.
– Highlight the interlinkage between Russia’s military doctrine and the evolution of its strategic and military thinking.
The reform and modernisation programmes
– The start of reform process in 2008.
– Highlight State Armament Plan (GBV) 2011-2020.
– Highlight State Armament Plan (GBV) 2018-2027.
The prospects and limits of Russia’s military revival
– Shed light on the Georgia war in 2008, the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the military intervention in Syria in 2015, including the tactics and capabilities used.
– The obstacles and limitation facing Russia to deliver its rearmament programme.
– How does the west (U.S., NATO, EU) perceive Russia’s military revival?
– Does the Russian military power now rival the west?
Conclusion
