The Sea in Russian Strategy

The book "The Sea in Russian Strategy" examines Russian maritime power in the post-Soviet era, considering historical and contemporary aspects, and the perspectives from Moscow and the West. It explores Russia's power at sea, capabilities, problems, and strategic planning for the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

For the first two decades after the Cold War, Russian naval power hardly featured in the Euro-Atlantic community's strategic thinking. This began to change in the mid-2010s, as the idea that the Russian navy poses a threat to NATO began to gain ground. That threat took shockingly real form in February 2022, when Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine.

The Sea in Russian Strategy is the first sustained examination of Russian maritime power in the period since the fall of the Soviet Union. It brings together leading specialists from public policy and academia to reflect on historical and contemporary aspects of Russia's naval strategy and capacities. At a time of mounting tensions, which some observers have named the 'Fourth Battle of the Atlantic,' the book offers an informed and nuanced discussion, taking into account the view from Moscow and how this differs from Western perspectives. It sketches a trajectory of Russia's power at sea and reflects on current capabilities and problems, as well as Moscow's strategic planning for the future.

The Russian Navy has long been a significant player in the global maritime landscape, but its role in the Euro-Atlantic community's strategic thinking has been relatively limited until recently. This changed in the mid-2010s, as concerns about Russia's military capabilities and intentions grew, particularly in light of its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

One of the key factors that has contributed to the increased focus on the Russian Navy is the growing threat it poses to NATO. Russia has a large and modern fleet of naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and surface ships. These vessels are equipped with advanced weapons and technology, including ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, which give them the ability to strike targets across large distances.

In addition to its military capabilities, the Russian Navy also plays a significant role in Russia's foreign policy objectives. The Navy is used to project Russian power and influence in regions such as the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Arctic. It is also used to support Russia's economic interests, such as the transportation of oil and gas through the Black Sea and the Arctic Ocean.

Despite these challenges, the Russian Navy faces several challenges that could limit its ability to project power and influence in the future. These include aging equipment, a lack of funding, and tensions with other countries in the region, such as the United States and NATO.

One of the key challenges facing the Russian Navy is the aging of its fleet. Many of Russia's naval vessels are decades old and require significant upgrades and repairs. This can be expensive and time-consuming, and it can limit the Navy's ability to respond to threats quickly and effectively.

Another challenge facing the Russian Navy is the lack of funding. Russia's military budget has been declining in recent years, which has limited the Navy's ability to purchase new equipment and maintain its existing fleet. This has led to concerns about the Navy's ability to maintain its technological edge and compete with other countries in the region.

Tensions with other countries in the region, such as the United States and NATO, are also a significant challenge for the Russian Navy. These tensions are driven by a range of factors, including Russia's military expansionism, its involvement in conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, and its concerns about the security of its borders.

Despite these challenges, the Russian Navy remains a significant player in the global maritime landscape. It has a large and modern fleet of naval vessels, advanced weapons and technology, and a significant role in Russia's foreign policy objectives. However, the Navy faces several challenges that could limit its ability to project power and influence in the future.

One of the key strategies that the Russian Navy is using to address these challenges is the modernization of its fleet. The Russian government has been investing in new aircraft carriers, submarines, and surface ships, which are equipped with the latest technology and weapons. This is intended to improve the Navy's ability to respond to threats quickly and effectively and to maintain its technological edge over other countries in the region.

In addition to the modernization of its fleet, the Russian Navy is also focusing on improving its relations with other countries in the region. This includes building partnerships with countries such region, such as the United States and NATO, to promote stability and security in the region. The Navy is also working to improve its relations with countries in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, which are important for the transportation of oil and gas and other goods.

Another strategy that the Russian Navy is using to address its challenges is the development of its naval infrastructure. This includes the construction of new ports and bases, as well as the modernization of existing facilities. This is intended to improve the Navy's ability to support its operations and to maintain its presence in key regions.

Despite these challenges, the Russian Navy remains a significant player in the global maritime landscape. It has a large and modern fleet of naval vessels, advanced weapons and technology, and a significant role in Russia's foreign policy objectives. However, the Navy faces several challenges that could limit its ability to project power and influence in the future.

One of the key strategies that the Russian Navy is using to address these challenges is the modernization of its fleet. The Russian government has been investing in new aircraft carriers, submarines, and surface ships, which are equipped with the latest technology and weapons. This is intended to improve the Navy's ability to respond to threats quickly and effectively and to maintain its technological edge over other countries in the region.

In addition to the modernization of its fleet, the Russian Navy is also focusing on improving its relations with other countries in the region. This includes building partnerships with countries region, such as the United States and NATO, to promote stability and security in the region. The Navy is also working to improve its relations with countries in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, which are important for the transportation of oil and gas and other goods.

Another strategy that the Russian Navy is using to address its challenges is the development of its naval infrastructure. This includes the construction of new ports and bases, as well as the modernization of existing facilities. This is intended to improve the Navy's ability to support its operations and to maintain its presence in key regions.

In conclusion, the Russian Navy has long been a significant player in the global maritime landscape, but its role in the Euro-Atlantic community's strategic thinking has been relatively limited until recently. This has changed in the mid-2010s, as concerns about Russia's military capabilities and intentions grew, particularly in light of its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The Russian Navy faces several challenges that could limit its ability to project power and influence in the future, including aging equipment, a lack of funding, and tensions with other countries in the region. However, the Navy is using a range of strategies to address these challenges, including the modernization of its fleet, the development of its naval infrastructure, and the improvement of its relations with other countries in the region. These strategies are intended to improve the Navy's ability to respond to threats quickly and effectively and to maintain its technological edge over other countries in the region.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526168788