Russia's defense strategy

Overview & Synopsis

Russia does not renounce to a power policy. After having undergone a strong erosion of its strategic positions, Vladimir Putin remains the strong man of Moscow and, as a good strategist, he has been able to maintain a significant nuclear power, equivalent to that of the United States, especially since the SORT Agreement, while renouncing the principle of "no first use" and committing himself to the option of pre-emptive strikes and the doctrine of a graduated response. It has engaged in conventional wars against Chechnya and Georgia, which it has won. However, the modernization of the army is hampered by financial constraints, and the modernization of conventional forces is part of a dissuasive approach, given the hypothetical nature of the threats from the major powers. Russia still remains a military superpower, probably the most determined to use it if necessary, given the gag order that has been placed on expressions of public opinion.