Global Security Watch—Russia

"Richard Weitz presents one of the most balanced and comprehensive treatments of the challenges of Russian foreign and defense policy; must reading for policymakers, students, and interested public to better understand Moscow's goals and perspectives on the world." -- Dr. Andrew C. Kuchins, Director and Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies "Richard Weitz' penetrating and timely analysis provides an authoritative assessment of Russian security policy under Yeltsin and Putin. The book shows that, despite recent geopolitical gains, Russia is vulnerable both abroad and domestically, a true 'shaky phoenix'." -- David Satter, author of "Age of Delirium: the Decline and Fall of the Soviet Union" "Dr. Weitz's meticulously researched and comprehensive book is essential reading for all those concerned about Russian foreign and defense policies. The Obama administration faces an overwhelming challenge in resetting relations with a Russian regime that relies so heavily on military power and rejects so many core American values." -- Andrei Piontkovsky, Senior Researcher at the Moscow Institute for Systems Studies

This book offers an expert analysis of Russia's foreign and military defense policies since the Federation was established in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union.

This book offers an expert analysis of Russia’s foreign and military defense policies since the Federation was established in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union.

To help readers understand the current state of this crucially important country, Global Security Watch—Russia: A Reference Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the main foreign and defense policies of the Russian Federation.

Global Security Watch—Russia focuses on political-military developments in the nation that emerged in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse in December 1991. The book looks at a variety of factors that characterize Russia’s position in world security matters, such as its leading position as an arms exporter and its still-overwhelming nuclear capability. Coverage includes critical recent events, such as the growing alienation between Russia and the West, the August 2008 Georgian War, and the effects of the global financial crisis on Russia’s vulnerable economy.

• Contains excerpts from leaders' key speeches as well as Russia's seminal foreign policy and defense concepts
• Includes a comprehensive chronology, in essay format, of political-military developments in Russia since 1991