Russia After Yeltsin: Implications for U.S. National Security.
Abstract
With the recent health problems of Russia's President Yeltsin it becomes prudent to ask who would assume control of Russia if Yeltsin were suddenly to die, or become incapacitated for a lengthy period of time. This paper examines the key powerbrokers which are likely to play a significant role in a post-Yeltsin power struggle, and discusses the implications for U.S. national security interests in the region should they assume power. It also outlines the various critical internal and external factors-Russian nationalism/authoritarianism, the 'power troika', and NATO expansion-which are likely to influence the succession outcome. The U.S. can exert some leverage on the succession outcome by acting decisively now in employing a variety of political, military, and economic means in an effort to effect those internal/external factors which are likely to impact the succession outcome. There is a 'window of opportunity' which the U.S. must fully exploit now if its expects to have a hand in shaping the political and economic future of Russia in the long term.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA326812
Entities
People
- Charles B. Lee Jr
Organizations
- United States Army War College