| ID | 146351 |
| Title Proper | Facing Russia |
| Other Title Information | conventional defence and deterrence in Europe |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Colby, Elbridge ; Solomon, Jonathan |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Unlike its Soviet predecessor, the contemporary Russian military is neither sized nor structured for conquest to the shores of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. But this does not mean it deserves the disdain it often receives in the Western commentariat. Indeed, the Russian military is increasingly capable of helping to achieve what seem to be the Kremlin’s actual strategic objectives in Europe. Many observers, including some in NATO and Western governments, think Moscow is interested in recreating a Russian sphere of influence and even, if possible, hegemony in its near abroad, including along its western periphery. This objective is apparent from Russia’s seizure of Crimea and intervention in Ukraine but also its earlier war with Georgia, its presence there and in Transdniestr, its strong hand in Belarus, and its domineering rhetoric and provocative military exercises directed towards the Baltic states and other Eastern European nations. Moreover, many Western leaders judge that Russia, more ambitiously, is keen to find ways to corrode or even break the cohesion of the NATO Alliance, thereby diminishing American involvement and opening opportunities for Russian leverage in Europe. |
| `In' analytical Note | Survival : the IISS Quarterly Vol. 57, No.6; Dec 2015 -Jan 2016: p.21-50 |
| Journal Source | Survival Vol: 57 No 6 |
| Key Words | Deterrence ; United States ; Russia ; Ukraine ; Europe ; United Kingdom |