December 01, 2022

Russia Is Weaker—but Is It Less Threatening?

Russia has suffered major setbacks on the battlefield in Ukraine, its economy is battered by Western sanctions, and its diplomatic clout has suffered due to President Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion. It is fair to say that Russia is militarily, economically, and geopolitically weaker than it was a year ago—and policymakers in Washington and Europe may be tempted to downgrade the Russian threat as a result.

But dismissing Russia would be a mistake, argue Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Michael Kofman in the November/December issue of Foreign Affairs. “Russian power and influence may be diminished, but that does not mean Russia will become dramatically less threatening,” they write. “Instead, some aspects of the threat are likely to worsen.”

Listen to the full interview from Foreign Affairs.

  • Podcast
    • July 19, 2024
    75 Years of NATO: Key Takeaways from the Washington Summit

    Last week, Washington, DC hosted the NATO summit – marking the historic 75th anniversary of the alliance. Despite the significant milestone, the mood was serious in DC with th...

    By Jim Townsend & Kate Johnston

  • Video
    • July 17, 2024
    Air defence package for Ukraine could work alongside F-16s to halt Putin's attacks

    Jim Townsend joins Frontline on Times Radio to discuss how further U.S. air defense systems for Ukraine and Nato drills will be key to sending a message that Nato is committed...

    By Jim Townsend

  • Commentary
    • Sharper
    • July 17, 2024
    Sharper: NATO Summit

    The 75th NATO Summit was held in Washington DC, last week, and brought together leaders and governments to discuss pressing issues facing the world's oldest alliance. A bridge...

    By Anna Pederson

  • Commentary
    • Foreign Policy
    • July 15, 2024
    For Putin, the EU Is a Bigger Threat Than NATO

    Russia, by aiming to prevent the EU’s enlargement and impose its own control over Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, is on a campaign to reassert its imperial idea in Europe....

    By Nicholas Lokker & Kate Johnston

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia