Strategic Forum, Number 6, September 1994. A Challenge for American Policies, Russian Vital Interests
Abstract
The conclusions of this on Russia's vital interests are: In exchange for help in suppressing the parliament last October, Russian military leaders apparently were granted their position that Russia's own vital interests-not cooperation with the West-be the basis for Moscow's security decisions; The current Russian concept of vital interests rejects the old Soviet dogma regarding a struggle between two social systems. However, it falls short of embracing the idea that it is essential for Russia to collaborate with the West on security matters. Nor is the concept dependent on Russia's integration into the Western-dominated international system. Although Russia's new security premise increases the chances of the United States and Russia disagreeing over security issues, the policy is not inherently confrontational; While most within the Moscow decision-making community, including the new, conservative-dominated legislature, accept the notion that Russian policies should be based on vital interests, there is still no consensus on how to translate this principle into action-particularly in what they call the 'Near Aboard'; Russia's new concept of vital interests represents both a challenge and an opportunity for American policy, but not necessarily a return to Russian expansionism. Russia's de- emphasis of integration with the West, combined with the growing risk that an ultra-nationalist might come to power in Moscow, challenges the United States to re-examine its policies, not just toward Russia, but toward the entire region of Europe formerly controlled by the Soviets
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA285217
Entities
Organizations
- National Defense University