Russia

In: The military balance: the annual assessment of global military capabilities and defence economics, S. 207-228

Abstract

This chapter provides an independent & detailed assessment of Russia's military capabilities & defense economics. Military operations in Georgia have bolstered confidence in the Russian military, which was damaged by the end of the Cold War & involvement in Chechnya. There is public support of a more expanded military. Abroad, Russian's military power has been represented by its navy with deployments in the Mediterranean & Caribbean. Russia's military posturing is due in large part to increasing U.S. & NATO activities in traditionally Russian spheres creating a crisis in Russian-Western relations. Key to Russia's military posture is Central Asia & the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) whose military capacity Russian president Medvedev hopes to increase in order to counter U.S. & Western influence. This chapter also discusses in detail Russia's war with Georgia & security situations in the North Caucasus region. Statistic & details concerning Russia's defense budget & capabilities are provided. C. Goger