August 22, 2014
Russia’s Nuclear Revival And Its Challenges – Analysis
Although attention is naturally focused on the role of Russia’s conventional forces in the Ukraine conflict , we should not overlook the modernization of the country’s nuclear forces. The last few years has seen Moscow make great progress in stabilizing Russia’s decaying nuclear arsenal. The Russian government considers its nuclear weapons as its best tool of defense, deterrence, and global influence– essential for protecting Russia against external aggression and for preserving its great power status.
Despite recent improvements in Russia’s conventional forces and Russian mastery of the art of non-kinetic hybrid warfare techniques, Moscow continues to invest enormous sums in reviving its nuclear capabilities, which suffered financial and other problems following the end of the Cold War. Nonetheless, Russia’s nuclear buildup will continue to face major challenges in coming years and present risks to other countries.
More from CNAS
-
Trump Should Walk from Putin Negotiations
Trump will walk from the Ukraine-Russia negotiations as his lack of “patience” means its “just a matter of time”, says Jim Townsend, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a ...
By Jim Townsend
-
Transatlantic Security / Energy, Economics & Security
Putin’s Pressure PointTrump’s handling of Russia diverges sharply from his approach to every other country....
By Edward Fishman
-
Transatlantic Security / Technology & National Security
Ukraine Strikes Military and Psychological Blow to RussiaUkraine attacked targets deep inside Russia yesterday, in what Kyiv called “Operation Spiderweb.” The Security Service of Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack using d...
By Samuel Bendett
-
Transatlantic Security / Energy, Economics & Security
Ex-NATO Official: Putin Is ‘Stringing Along Trump’ to Push for Sanctions ReliefJim Townsend, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, weighs in on peace talks after the Putin-Zelenskyy-Trump call and whether the U.S. is failing...
By Jim Townsend