Putin's National Security Vision -- Dmitri Trenin, Real Clear World/Carnegie Endowment
Vladimir Putin has laid down his views on Russia's national security policy. In an article in the Rossiyskaya Gazeta, he pledged to make Russia militarily strong, so as "not to tempt others" into thinking they might win control of its resources. But the problem with Putin's vision is that the military modernization he has in mind still rests on the unreformed concept of the United States as Russia's principal likely adversary.
There is no question that a country with Russia's natural riches, given its complex geopolitical position, declining population, and lack of alliances with other major powers, needs to have modern defenses and a capability to protect its national interests. It is also true that, as Putin mentioned, Russia's military was neglected for two decades-until the beginning of military reforms in 2008. There is no doubt that a Russia that is comfortable within its own borders and friendly with its neighbors, and that forms partnerships with the United States and Europe as well as China and India, is a major, even indispensable factor for global stability.
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My Comment: My nationality is Russian, so I took special notice on this post by Dmitri Trenin .... and guess what .... there is very little that I can disagree with. His analysis is spot on, and his critique deserves a wide reading within the Russian political establishment itself.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's full article on what are his views on Russian defense and national security can be read here.