Accession Number:

ADA411335

Title:

Russian Relationships With the West: The Implications for Military Reform

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA

Personal Author(s):

• Gray, Jeremy

Report Date:

2002-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

86.0

Abstract:

This thesis examines the impact of NATO-Russia relations on the process of military reform in the Russian Federation. The military reform process within Russia that aims to create a lean, professional military that Russia can afford and that will better serve Moscows defense needs is hampered by a lingering perception of a threat from the United States and NATO, despite significant evidence to the contrary. A reformed military would reduce the burden on Russias economy and would be better matched to the immediate and future security needs of the Russian state. A cooperative relationship between Moscow and the West could help to ease the perception of a threat posed by NATO. This could encourage the creation of a Russian military capable of joint operations with Western militaries, especially in the realm of counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations. A military reformed along these lines could serve as a cornerstone for a strengthened Russian democracy that would allow Russia to become, once again, a player on the world stage. A willingness by NATO and the United States to pursue increased military and political cooperation with Moscow offers an opportunity to influence positively the military reform process within Russia.

Descriptors:

• *NATO
• *MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN)
• *RUSSIA
• *TRANSFORMATIONS
• UNITED STATES
• INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
• THESES
• INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE