Against the backdrop of the sharp rise in strategic and military confrontation in Europe, triggered by Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, this course aims to provide a detailed understanding of the nature and challenges of Russia’s security and defense policy, taking into account its evolution since the end of the Cold War.
Rooted in current events, the course begins with an analysis of the worldview, strategic culture and threat assessment that underpin Russia’s defense policy. Secondly, the course presents the terms of this policy and the key concepts that guide it, highlighting the singular role of nuclear deterrence. The course also provides an overview of the tools of Russian security and defense policy (decision-making architecture, military and nuclear capabilities, armaments industry, defense diplomacy).
Isabelle Facon (Deputy Director FRS)
3 ECTS, 6 sessions of 2h (first session: Thursday February 19, 2026).
Thursday 14h-16h in salle F. Berthier at 29 rue d’Ulm