Stalin's Plague: The Impact of Psychological Trauma on Russian National Security Considerations
Abstract
The Russian Federation is pursuing a national security strategy that primarily utilizes economic power with the goal of dismantling the European security alliances. The Russians may feel compelled to pursue this strategy over more cooperative partnership building strategies because they could be suffering from an unprecedented, unrecognized epidemic of generationally transmitted psychological stress disorders, most notably Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which could be driving their motivations to seek security above all other alternatives. Europe depends on Russia as the only economically viable source of hydrocarbon based energy sources. As time passes Russia's energy monopoly over the European market will increasingly shape the domestic and international political policies of the European countries into a relationship that will placate Russian actions. The Europeans will be forced to accept a tolerant position with Russia in their interest of ensuring a stable supply of energy, with the aim of preventing punitive price increases or an embargo. The transfer of European wealth to Russia in payment for that energy will drastically increase the level of Russian influence in European affairs. That amalgamation of influences could be leveraged against European nations and could ultimately lead to a dramatic restructuring of the political dynamics in European affairs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA530030
Entities
People
- Eric Meinhardt
Organizations
- National Defense University