NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS BRIEF RUSSIAN FEDERATION
The Russian Federation (hereafter Russia), is the worlds largest country, occupying more than a ninth of the Earths total land area at 17, 075,400 square kilometers. In terms of population, it ranks ninth in the world, with 140.9 million people (Central Intelligence Agency, 2009). The expanse of the Russian nation spreads completely across northern Asia and 40 percent of Europe. The country spans 11 time zones and integrates a diverse range of ecosystems, landforms, and resources. Russias capital is Moscow and the country has over 100 ethnic languages spoken, the official of which is Russian. The Russian Federation is composed of 83 federal entities which vary in degree of autonomy enjoyed.
National Purpose
The first geopolitical element examined is national purpose. Since the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and the accompanying end of socialism, Russias national purpose has shifted from securing the dictatorship of the proletariat to achieving security and prosperity in the economic, political, and military sphere. Russia remains committed to ideals of self-determination, state unity, sovereignty, and patriotism. As evidenced in the new Russian constitution, enacted in 1993, Russia hopes to fully transition from a totalitarian state with a socialist economy to a western pluralist democracy with a mixed capitalist economy. Russias aims of establishing its presence in the world community is also emphasized in a recently approved document called Russias National Security Strategy Until 2020. The theme Resurgent Russia could be considered as the renewed and revitalized national purpose of the Russian Federation. Russia aims to be a great power with an influential position in global affairs.
Internal and External Security. Security is a main national concern for Russia. Historically, core Russia has been engaged in wars and invasions to protect its territory and key economic interests. Because it is geographically vulnerable, Russia places great emphasis on its internal security. It is mandatory for all male citizens aged 18 to 27 to be drafted for a year of service in the Armed Forces. In Article 59, Section 1 of the Russian Constitution, duty toward protecting the Fatherland from internal or external threat is clear Defense of the homeland is a duty and obligation of the citizen of the Russian Federation. Russia maintains large armies for this purpose, including Ground Forces, the Navy, Air Forces, Airborne Troops, Strategic Rocket Forces, and Space Troops (CIA, 2009).
Internal Contentment. From global isolation, Russia has managed to transition from a centrally-planned economy to a market-based and globally-integrated economy (CIA, 2009). Since then, poverty levels and unemployment rate in the country have declined. From 40 living below the poverty line in 1998 (post-Soviet collapse), the percentage has dropped to 14 in 2007. Privatization and economic reforms led to the revival of the energy and defense industries. Today, Russia possesses one of the most robust economies in the world, averaging 7 growth since 1998. Though hard-hit during the global economic crisis, Russia has been able to recover in mid 2009. Russia has an excellent educational system that has produced nearly 100 literacy. In the long term, challenges that face the Russian population include a reduced workforce and high levels of corruption. Russia is characterized as a multi-ethnic nation. Although Russians account for over 80 of the population, several ethnic minority groups also exist such as the Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkir, and others. Russian Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion, almost 15 of the population are Muslims and 2 Christian. Muslim separatists are concentrated in the Caucasus region of Chechnya, which has become a war zone post the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia has endeavored to put down the insurgency in Chechnya since 1994 and atrocities committed by the Russian military there have been criticized by human rights groups at home and abroad. In 2009, Russia called a formal cessation of military operations against the Chechen rebels, but until present, sporadic violence continues. Historically, the Russian nation prides itself with a long tradition of excellence in the arts and the sciences. It has produced the most brilliant minds in literature, philosophy, music, and in almost every discipline. It also values a strong traditional in technology and emphasize on significant achievements such as the first human spaceflight and nuclear technology. In terms of human rights and freedoms, the Russian constitution provides emphasis on respect for human rights. However, concerns have mounted on Russias tolerance for violations of press freedom and other abuses.
International Revolution. The ambition of the USSR in spreading the communist ideology throughout the world has been halted when Russia opted to transition into a pluralist democracy. Its main global doctrine is multipolarity in the international system, one it pursues in the conduct of its foreign relations. By building friendships and cultivating alliances with countries with which it has special historical relations, it seeks to prevent a unipolar world order dominated by the United States.
In terms of national purpose, Russia considers as its major adversaries the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Russias minor adversaries are pro-Western neighboring states Georgia and Ukraine. During the Russia-Georgia conflict in 2008, the United States supported Georgia by airlifting some 2,000 troops recalled in Iraq and sending humanitarian aid to the country. The United States maintains a critical stance on Russias government and its relations with neighboring states.
Ideology
The second geopolitical element is ideology. Despite its ambitions of becoming a pluralist democracy, the U.S. State Department classifies Russia as a centralized semi-authoritarian state legitimized by only carefully managed national elections (US State Department, 2009). The state exerts considerable control over institutions like the media, fueling criticisms that it condones repression of basic rights such as freedom of the press and other human rights violations. In the 2008 Foreign and Security Policy Principles (FSP) document, Russia provides a summary of its beliefs and opinion on the existing global order and its position in the international area. First, it values the primacy of international law and criticizes unilateral decisions made by powerful nations. Second, it believes that the US-dominated unipolar international system must be replaced with multi-polarity. Third, it does not espouse isolationist strategies and seeks out friendly relations with the West. Fourth, it values the security and safety of its citizens and will respond aggressively in the event this is compromised. Fifth, it has remained open and honest over its economic interests in former Soviet states it considers privileged regions (Schroder, 2009). Its foreign doctrine makes the United States and NATO Russias major adversaries. Russia considers as its minor adversaries countries it views as supportive of NATO expansion near its borders, such as Ukraine and Georgia. The United States is pushing for democratic reforms in the Russian government and reforms in its human rights record. The United States is providing assistance for development on these specific areas in Russias government.
National Power
A third geopolitical element is national power. Russia is an energy superpower and a military might. It possesses the worlds largest natural gas reserves, 2nd largest coal reserves, and 8th largest oil reserves. It leads the world in the export and production of natural gas and goes head to head with Saudi Arabia in oil. Moreover, Russia has a well-developed hydroelectricity production program and is considered a leader in the production of renewable energy. It also ranks 4th globally in electricity generation.
European Russia has numerous hydropower plants installed, as well as in Asian Russia, where its resources in Siberia remain largely untapped. Russias income from its vast natural resources is instrumental in the revival of its economy post the 1998 economic meltdown (US State Department, 2009). State-controlled gas behemoth Gazprom supplies a considerable share of Europes energy needs. Russias energy resources have enabled it to exert influence and control over foreign policy. For instance, in 2006, Moscow cut Ukraines gas supply following security tensions a move that affected Western Europe also. There has been increasing concern over Russias possible use of energy as a foreign policy weapon (Haas, 2009).
Russia is a leading nuclear power, being the first country to build a nuclear power plant and develop a civilian nuclear reactor. It has committed itself to develop next generation nuclear energy technology. In terms of military power, Russia claims the largest nuclear weapons stockpile in the world. Next to the US, it commands the largest fleet of ballistic missile submarines and is the only nation besides the US to own a modern strategic bomber force. It has among the strongest navy and air force in the world and is the worlds largest tank force. Russias weapons are mainly indigenous, importing only very few of its weapons. It also dominates the worlds arms supply and produces 30 of the worlds weapons which are exported to over 80 countries (CIA, 2009). Russia considers the United States and NATO its major adversaries because of its growing border presence and perceived expansionist plans. Pro-Western neighboring states such as Ukraine and Georgia are its minor adversaries because Russia suspects them of stealing its energy resources. The United States continues to monitor the energy tensions between Russia and Ukraine but is not involved militarily.
National Interests
The fourth geopolitical element is national interests. The Medvedev administration outlined Russias national interests and priorities in the NSS document. The first priority is the defense of the state and societal security followed by the upliftment of the quality of life and standards of living for its citizens (Schroder, 2009). Russia seeks to improve its economy and has drafted its national security strategy around the objective of becoming the worlds 5th largest economy, three places away from its 2008 ranking (CIA, 2009). According to the NSS, Russias defense of its national security is interrelated with the protection of its economic potential. At present, Russias economic strength lies in oil and natural gas its key resources. In 2009, Russia became the worlds largest exporter of oil and natural gas.
Foremost in Russias national interest lie in the utilization of its energy resources as a geopolitical lever and as a base for its economic development. Russia sets its sights in the long term in gaining control of energy resources in the Middle East, on the shelf of the Barents Sea and other parts of the Arctic, in the Caspian Basin and in Central Asia (SCRF, cited in Haas, 2009). Russias future role in the international energy market will decide its geopolitical influence (Putin, cited in Ukrayinska Pravda, 2009). It has already made its power to leverage its energy resources in its standoff with Ukraine where it cut off the latters gas supply and that of Western Europe. In terms of advancing its national interests, the United States and NATO are Russias major adversaries. Russia is weary of NATOs increasing presence within its borders. Its minor adversaries are Ukraine and Georgia for their pro-Western sentiments. In terms of military involvement, the United States has not been directly involved with Russias conflicts. However, in 2008, the United States sided with Georgia and assisted in withdrawing its troops from Iraq and gave humanitarian aid. The United States is currently monitoring the standoff between Ukraine and Russia.
Threats
Russia has identified the West, particularly the NATO and the US, as major its major adversaries. Russia considers NATO a major threat because of its expansion close to Russian borders. It also views NATO as hostile because of its aims in building a global military alliance that will consolidate a unipolar world order, which is contrary to Russian ideology. As pointed out in the NSS document, Russia considers its major threat policies leading countries, which seek military supremacy by building up nuclear, as well as conventional, strategic arms, unilaterally developing anti-ballistic missile defences and militarizing space, which may trigger a new arms race (SCRF, cited in Haas, 2009, p. 3). Russia considers the US a major adversary because of its unilateral policies and perceived non-compliance with international disarmament agreements. During the Bush administration, the US unilaterally annulled the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty in 2002 and NATO member states rejected the ratification of the Adapted Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty of 1999. Russia and the US have had severe tensions over many policies such as the Iraq war, the Iran nuclear program, and the North Korea disarmament issue. Other countries having hostile relations with Russia at present but could be regarded as minor adversaries are Georgia and Ukraine. Its tensions with Georgia in 2008 were over two breakaway provinces recognized by the Russian federation. Russia sent troops to Georgia despite widespread international criticism. Ukraines relations with Russia remain hostile because of the latters opposition to the formers plans of accommodating NATO. Russia also has minor border disputes with China, Japan, and other former Soviet territories (CIA, 2009). The United States supported Georgia in its rift with Russia in 2008. The United States and the European Union continue to monitor the energy war between Russia and Ukraine.
Domestic Factors
Another geopolitical element is domestic factors. Problematic areas in Russias domestic life are human rights, manipulation and corruption in government, crime, terrorism and separatism. Although there have been developments in democratic reform, there is still room for improvement. Observers have noted that the judiciary is not independent and vulnerable to political manipulation. Torture and abuse of inmates and detainees are rampant. Human rights issues concerning Russias policy in the North Caucasus have also been reported. Violations committed by Russian and Chechen rebels continue.
Human rights groups still call for more political will in investigating alleged human rights abuses (Gordon, 2010). Russias human rights record has been criticized by the international community, particularly on violations of press freedom. TV broadcasting is dominated by state-owned companies with close ties to the Kremlin. The two biggest federal channels, Channel One and Russia TV, are government-owned while state-controlled energy behemoth Gazprom owns NTV (Reporters without Borders, 2009). Allegations of harassment and physical abuse of reporters and journalists covering corruption in government and the corporate elite have been reported. Media group Reporters Without Borders (RWB) are concerned with the absence of pluralism in news and information, an intensifying crackdown against journalists... and the drastic state of press freedom in Chechnya (BBC, 2008).
Murders of journalists remain unsolved, including that of investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya in October 2006. According to RWB, 20 journalists have been killed in Russia since March 2000. Domestic threats still exist. Although Putin successfully crushed the Chechen insurgency, pockets of resistance remain. Russias major adversary in the domestic arena is the Chechen separatist movement demanding for independence from Russia and Islamic extremists who oppose Russias domestic policy. Russias minor adversary is the government of the Russian Federation for its poor human rights record and high level corruption. The US has recently given Russia assistance packages for its human rights program and continues to monitor developments on this area.
Commitment
Another geopolitical element is commitment. Russia considers itself a member of the world community and has established its international presence clearly and assertively. The country is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and member of G8, G20, Council of Europe, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Eurasian Economic Community. Moscow has reiterated its intention to establish equal and fully-fledged strategic partnership with the United States based on coinciding interests (SCRF, cited in Schroder, 2009, p. 7), but lately, the country has shifted its focus on strategic partnerships from the West to the East to pursue its worldview of a multipolar international system. It maintains strategic alliances China and bilateral relations with India, both nuclear powers. Russia has no major or minor adversary in terms of commitment.
Military Strategy
Russias military strategy targets protecting its borders from external threats, maintaining security from within, and creating different levels of security and cooperation systems to ensure not only its defense but the unity of the Euro-Atlantic region. Moscow has formed regional alliances to protect its interests in the Central Asian region with the CSTO and the Asia-Pacific Region with SCO. Russias rejection of a world system characterized by unilateral domination by the United States coincides with its closer ties to China and its plans to elevate the CSTO and SCO from mere groupings to full-fledged organizations.
In terms of military doctrine, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is prepared to fight wars, which are classified into four types armed conflict, local war, regional war, or large-scale war.
Decisions of military importance are planned and conceptualized by the Security Council of the Russian Federation (Global Security Org, 2009). According to the Ministry of Defenses October 2003 White Paper, Russia considers the US as its major adversary. While both countries have parity relations, the likelihood of open or direct attack from the US to achieve its political ambitions and maintain its unilateral domination is still regarded high. Russia emphasizes on strategic nuclear deterrent but remains open on the reduction of nuclear weapons. The United States and Russia recently renewed their strategic defense relationship and are working together on various global security issues such as the Global War on Terror, nuclear weapons proliferation, narcoterrorism, and piracy on the high seas.
International Strategy
Based on the NSS document, Russias international strategy is to pursue its energy resources as basic for geopolitical influence and economic development. This is considered by many countries, including the US, to be a powerful and dangerous leverage in forcing or blackmailing nations to bow down to Russian demands. One example is when Russia cut down Ukraines gas supply because of the formers displeasure on NATO membership aspirations. The move also disabled energy supply for Western Europe. Moreover, Russia still maintains, in principle, support and relations with former Communist and anti-imperialist states such as China and Iran. In its Foreign Policy Concept (FPC) document, Russia intends to engage in a bilateral partnership with India and China, in what is known as Russia-India-China Troika. Russia also maintains strategic ties with China. Russia is also leading a military alliance of seven states belonging to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) called the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to protect its interests in the CIS. To defend its interests in the Asia Pacific Area, Russia is committed to the SCO a political, economic and security grouping composed of Russia, China and four CIS states. In international strategy, Russias major adversary is the United States and NATO. Russia has no minor adversary. The United States will seek peaceful levels of engagement with Russia and will continue to monitor Russias geopolitical influence and interests in the Euro-Atlantic region.
Foreign Policy
Central to Russias foreign policy is defense and economic stability. It aims to assert its international position in global issues and affairs and protects the rights of its citizens and interests abroad. Russia maintains friendly relations with the West, but remains critical of some policies it considers unilateral and geared toward single-country domination, especially by the United States. The country is open to alliances with any country on the basis of equality and respect for international law. Russia has established strong presence in the worlds principal political groupings such as the UN Security Council, OSCE, and EAPC. It has also made initiatives to form regional security groupings and cooperation systems. In terms of foreign policy, Russia has no major and minor adversary. The United States maintains bilateral relationships with Russia in defense and trade.
US Involvement Based on National Security Affairs
Russia and the United States maintain bilateral relations and share common interests in issues such as counterterrorism, drastic nuclear weapons reduction, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) (Gordon, 2009). Beginning with The Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program in 1992 that led to the dismantlement of WMDs in the USSR, commitment by Russia has been renewed until 2013. Both the US and Russia are also closely working together to make Irans nuclear program compliant with the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Russia is also member to the Six-Party Talks regarding the effort to denuclearize North Korea.
Possible US military involvement in Russia in the near future seems unlikely. The US and Russia have recently agreed practical military cooperation to facilitate cooperation and interoperability between the nations armed forces to address global threats of terrorism, piracy on the high seas, and narcotics trafficking. However, renewed tensions due to energy insecurity, border wars and human rights problems in Russia may escalate if unmitigated. While mutual cooperation between the two countries on specific areas exists, disagreements also persist. The US is weary of Russias recognition of the independence of Georgias breakaway provinces South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Georgia conflict tested US-Russia relations and even sparked fears of a new Cold War. Tensions were also heightened with the anti-missile system program developed during the Bush administration, later withdrawn by Pres. Obama. Also of great concern is Russias still limited democratic space, strict NGO guidelines, and human rights issues. The US will continue to provide assistance to Russia for human rights concerns and monitor developments.
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