REUTERS/RIA Novosti
Russia's new military doctrine was published on February 5. Akin to the US Quadrennial Defense Review, it is only the third such doctrine to appear since the end of the Cold War. Although the apparent moderation of Moscow's nuclear first-use policy makes it less confrontational than feared, it takes a frosty view of NATO, characterising it as the most significant military threat Russia faces. The current military modernisation plan needs to continue apace, and it can only do so when fully supported by a Russian body politic that is aware of the threats the country faces and the deficiencies its armed forces have. The new doctrine addresses both concerns.
