research paper Russia 100+ pages

RESEARCH PAPER 09/35 24 APRIL 2009 Russia’s Military Posture Over the last few years Western analysts have become increasingly preoccupied with Russia and its perceived ‘resurgence’ on the international stage. Although that debate has focused largely on Russia’s foreign policy aspirations, its military forces have been frequently utilised as a diplomatic tool in pursuit of that agenda.
This paper therefore examines Russia’s current military posture. It does not attempt to be a comprehensive examination of every aspect of Russian military policy but is intended as an introduction to some of the more pertinent aspects, including Russia’s military capabilities, its ability to defend its increasingly diverse strategic interests and the credibility of Russia’s modernisation and rearmament programme which was announced toward the end of 2008.
This paper should be read in conjunction with Library Research Paper RP09/36, Russia and the West.
Claire Taylor
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE SECTION
HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY
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