The Rise of Russia – The Turning Point for Russian Foreign Policy by Strategic Studies Institute, Keir Giles, R. Evan Ellis

This book gives a detailed and precise analysis of the rise of Russian foreign policy in this decade. Russia’s military interventions in Ukraine from 2014, and Syria from 2015, caused widespread surprise among Western policy communities including the United States. However, these interventions represented the culmination of two well-established trends that had been clearly identified by Russia-watchers over preceding years. These were first, a mounting perception of direct threat against Russia from the West, and second, Russia’s own greatly increased capability for military or other action to respond to this perceived threat. In addition to the examination of Russia’s use of military force in Ukraine and Syria, this book gives a complete insight into Russian diplomacy by analyzing the interference into the U.S. presidential elections, engagement with Latin America and interests in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Contents:
The Rise of Russia’s Strength
Prehistory
Threat Perception
Instability
Before Libya
The Arab Spring
Libya
Information Warfare
Exclusion of Russia
The Near Abroad
Syria—2013
Syria—2015
Russia Is Back
Outlook and Implications
Summary of Policy Recommendations
The Muscovite Mindset
Russian Interference Into the U.S. Presidential Elections
Description
Technical Details
Injection Flaws
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerabilities
Server Vulnerabilities
Recommended Mitigations
Detailed Mitigation Strategies
Russian Engagement With Latin America Country-by-Country
Impacts on the Region and on the United States
Recommendations for U.S. Leadership
Russian Interests in Sub-Saharan Africa
History
Russia’s Presence Today — Political Priorities
Economic Aims
Resource Interests — Minerals
Resource Interests – Energy
Trade
Arms Trade
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
Implications for U.S. Policy
Outlook