Extending Russia

Russia continues to be a top national security focus for Congress, which has held hearings and crafted legislation to address Moscow’s destabilizing activities. While Russia’s use of information warfare and its conventional military arsenal make it a formidable opponent, the state also has significant weaknesses that could be exploited. An important question for Congress is, what policies could the United States adopt to stress Russia’s military, its economy, or the regime’s political standing at home and abroad?

In this briefing summary, former Ambassador James Dobbins, Raphael Cohen, and Howard Shatz discuss findings from their recent report, including:

  • Russia’s economic, political, and military vulnerabilities and anxieties
  • Nonviolent, cost-imposing options that the United States and its allies could pursue to stress Russia
  • The costs, benefits, and implications of those options

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  • Red Square in Moscow, Russia, photo by mnn/Adobe Stock

    Nonviolent Ways the United States Could Exploit Russian Vulnerabilities

    Despite its vulnerabilities and anxieties, Russia remains a formidable opponent in a few key domains. What non-violent, cost-imposing measures could the United States pursue to stress Russia's economy, its military, and the regime's political standing at home and abroad?

    Apr 24, 2019

  • Russian military vehicles are seen in eastern Ghouta near Douma, in Damascus, Syria, April 23, 2018, photo by Ali Hashisho/Reuters

    The Outlook for Russia's Growing Military Power

    Russia's military forces have been improving since 2008, enabling operations in Crimea, eastern Ukraine, and Syria. How will Russian capabilities continue to develop over the next 20 years? And what will this mean for U.S.-Russian competition and for the U.S. Army?

    Jun 18, 2019

  • Soldiers represent their nation's flags during the opening ceremony of Saber Strike 2015 held in Pabrade, Lithuania, June 8, 2015, photo by Sgt. James Avery/U.S. Army

    How Willing Are NATO Members to Defend Their Baltic Allies?

    What factors would make NATO allies more or less likely to respond to a Russian attack? And what can be done to reduce their vulnerability to Russian influence and to increase alliance cohesion?

    Aug 29, 2019