Resurgent Russia: An Operational Approach to Deterrence

By R. Reed Anderson, Patrick J. Ellis, Antonio M. Paz and 3 more

Relations between the United States and Russia have recently escalated from strained to outright aggressive. From imperial expansion in Ukraine to intervention in Syria to Russian hacking during the US election in 2016, it is clear that the United States must be prepared to defend itself and its NATO allies against Russian aggression.

Resurgent Russia, researched and written by six residents and internationally experienced officers at the US Army War College, analyzes the current threat of Russian acts of war—both conventional military attacks and unconventional cyber warfare or political attacks—against the United Stated and NATO. The officers detail how the America can use its international military resources and political influence to both prepare for and deter aggression ordered by Vladimir Putin, making it clear that such an attack would be unsuccessful and therefore keeping the peace. This study provides a clear assessment of how the United States and its allies must utilize their political and military power to deter Russian aggression and maintain the hierarchy of power in today’s world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Release date: Nov 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781510726222

R. Reed Anderson

Lieutenant Colonel R. Reed Anderson is currently a member of the U.S. Army War College resident class of 2016, upon completion of which he will serve as the Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia.

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

The post-Cold War peace dividend in Europe seems to be coming to an end. Russia is demonstrating its military might, and a very savvy ability to influence European politics, economics, and the media. Meanwhile, much of Europe remains dependent on Moscow for energy security, creating vulner-abilities that affect civilians as well as military activities and operations. Elsewhere, the refugee crisis and recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels have put Europe on edge. In the face of a major threat from returning foreign fighters, several Schengen agreement countries have recently reinstituted border controls.

"In the afternoon of August 8, 2008, then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered the military to start the ‘Operation to force Georgia to peace.’ Russian aircraft destroyed Georgian military bases and airfields, and Russian tanks rolled into the republic, quickly ousting the Georgian forces and forcing them far into Georgian territory, stopping just short of the capital, Tbilisi. Infantry and paratroopers followed, securing control on the ground. By August 12, the military stage of the operation was

Reviews for Resurgent Russia

[zare_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Quite an eye opener when it comes to relations between NATO and Russia. Of course content is made partly obsolete due to the events in last two years and here I include 2016 election tirade (definitely did not age well). Major differences I see are:
- Talk about the freedom speech and population control in Russia, did not age well. Reason you might ask? Well, pandemic I guess and hard lock on free speech and any deviation from the official story-line enforced in every Western country (with usual demonization and calling people H names, shutting them down and even beating them when protesting). West basically became China when it comes to suppressing discontent, I am just waiting for the variant of the Great Firewall of the West.
- Inability of separating modern day Russia from Soviet Union. Constant talk (I guess from 1980's that author's cannot shake off) about people not knowing about western style of living etc. Very ignorant from the authors I have to admit because Russians do travel around, visit West, even live in the West. So to say they are not aware of the western way of living is funny, very funny. Now when it comes to colored revolutions, authors are again in mode, "who, West did it?", which is strange to say the least. But I guess one more opportunity to say, those paranoid Russians :)
- Making Russia's attempt to protect their citizens living in neighbor countries look like a sinister motive. I will just say, isn't it policy of every Western country, especially US, to do whatever is required to protect their citizens? I mean few days back four US citizens were kidnapped by the Mexican drug cartel. This was [and still is] seen by some US politicians as a legit reason to move into Mexico with military whether Mexico likes it or not. So.... double standards? Again?
- As always, we do not understand why Russia is reacting to the spread of EU and NATO to its borders. But when Russia flexes muscles and tries to have influence over its neighbors it is OMG situation. I love these "only our direction is good direction" approaches.
- Suggestion to open talks with Russia. Almost every chapter holds this as important element to evade escalation. Include diplomacy, open talks. Well, something happened in the meantime because that is one thing that was torpedoed from the day one when war started and is still something that EU, NATO and US are insisting on - no negotiations. Today this "hardcore" policy has entire world .... well, lets say Europe, I dont think US are that disturbed, hoping nuclear blasts do not start decorating the horizon. But hey, it is for the cause, right, keep on fighting 'til the last man and then just move to another country, lots of vassals around.
- Utter and complete complex when it comes to Putin. West needs boogeyman but this is ridiculous.
- Constant move towards Baltic. I have a feeling that entire work tried very very hard to avoid Ukraine as a possible hot spot with it only popping up here and there as part of military advisory assistance and training (heh, now that sounds very familiar doesn't it?). Instead of Ukraine, Baltic is in focus here, series of small countries that for all means and purposes play no role unless full war with NATO takes place, and even then it might be a question. Unlike Ukraine they border with two major NATO countries, Germany and Poland so doing anything there is crazy stuff (not to mention very countries are in NATO). Is it possible that authors weren't aware of this? Very unlikely and thus this makes this work even more interesting.

Book indicates that there were plans in regard to Ukraine - very lack of mentioning this hot spot in the entire book and focusing solely on Baltic states is indicative of this. Hopefully some future historical book will give more background on this.

Very interesting book. Recommended to anyone following current political and military events in the world.