Russia. As written for Prof. Keith Hansen, Sierra Nevada College

Title:
Russia

Key elements of the issue:
Russia has a remaining communist influence over China and Cuba, and there is a lingering ideology among Russians and Russian president Vladimir Putin that Russia should continue to expand its influence throughout the globe.  The country is at odds with US policy in Syria regarding Assad’s influence and ability to remain in power, which is causing the US and Russia to have conflicting, but common interests in Syria and across the globe.

Primary International Security Concerns:
Nuclear proliferation is the primary concern.  During the cold war, Russia’s strategic nuclear arsenal increased from a few bombs in the late 1940’s to over 10,000 deployed bombs and warheads in the 1980’s.  Interest in Syria is common with US and a coalition of countries that are resolved to eliminate ISIS.


• Nuclear arms: A deterrent against the US.  The ultimate non-proliferation goal between the US and Russia is to reduce nuclear arms to 1,500 by 2018

• START (1991) reduced bombs to 6,000

• SORT (2002) further reduced to 3,500

• CURRENT:  Post bombings in France, the key international issue is to remove ISIS.  This may require the formation of a global coalition of states including Russia, the US, France, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Iran and other nations that are usually at odds to work together.

• Putin Doctrine: Hegemony: To rebuild Russia as a major power, to protect its citizens abroad.

• Russian foreign policy regarding terrorism:  Putin – The only way to deal with terrorists in Syria is to preemptively strike.



International organizations that are involved:
• United Nations
• International Atomic Energy Agency
• NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization