Conscription and Reform in the Russian Army

In: Problems of post-communism, Band 51, Heft 6, S. 33-43

Abstract

Discusses conscription & reform in the Russian army, drawing on academic research, government documents, & anecdotal & media reports to describe the difficulties facing the country's draft policies. First, the roots & evolution of the Russian draft, particularly, the influence of the Soviet legacy on present circumstances, are considered. Next, the major effects of violence in the enlisted ranks on draft evasion & desertion are examined. Russia's economic problems & the decrepit condition of the army further problematize the matter of conscription by facilitating corruption & extortion. The conclusion puts forth a summary of both governmental & civilian efforts to reform the army. 1 Table, 1 photograph.