Report

Myths and misconceptions around Russian military intent

This report from UK think tank Chatham House looks at how myths about Russia’s military intent affect Western policy, and what can be done.

This Chatham House research aims to address some of the longer-term conceptual challenges in understanding Russian hard power, which are not directly linked to current operations in Ukraine. It challenges some ideas about Russian military power and doctrine which have become entrenched among non-specialists but are based on false premises or a misreading of Russia’s own aims, objectives and methods. Some of these misconceptions may have major implications for any future confrontation between Russia and one or more adversaries, potentially including NATO members. This is a live product to which new subsections will be added as they become available.