| ID | 186558 |
| Title Proper | Why Russia attacked Ukraine |
| Other Title Information | Strategic culture and radicalized narratives |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Götz, Elias ; Staun, Jørgen |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This article explores Russia’s attack on Ukraine using the lens of strategic culture. Specifically, two strands in Russian strategic culture are identified. The first is a deep-seated sense of vulnerability, especially vis-à-vis “the West.” To counter this perceived threat, Russia’s national security establishment has long emphasized the importance of possessing strategic depth and buffer zones. The second strand revolves around a feeling of entitlement to great power status. A central component in Russia’s great power vision is the right to have a sphere of influence in its Eurasian neighborhood. The article shows that Kremlin officials perceived Ukraine’s drift toward the West as a major threat to both Russia’s security interests and its status aspirations. As a result, Russia’s rhetorical milieu regarding Ukraine became increasingly radicalized. The article concludes that this provided the discursive and intellectual habitat that enabled Putin to launch a large-scale attack. |
| `In' analytical Note | Contemporary Security Policy Vol. 43, No.3; Jul 2022: p.482-497 |
| Journal Source | Contemporary Security Policy Vol: 43 No 3 |
| Key Words | Strategic Culture ; Russian Foreign Policy ; Russia-Ukraine War |