This research leverages Russian discourse and debate to understand key drivers of military thought, doctrine, and education. How, and to what extent, is Russia’s war against Ukraine and perceptions of future war against NATO changing its doctrine? What doctrinal discussions are currently underway, and what are the underlying reasons? Who are the leading strategic military thinkers, how can they be categorized, and where do their perspectives diverge?
- Evolution of Russian Strategy and Doctrine (RSI EUCOM): How are Russian strategy and doctrine evolving in response to the contemporary global geopolitical landscape and military technological advancements?
- What is the Russian Way of War (RSI EUCOM): Analyze the Russian way of war.
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- Abravanel, Maj. Ran, "Blurring Conceptual Boundaries: Understanding Russia's International Behavior by Delving into the Russian Idea," ACSC elective paper (The Russian Mind), 2023, 7 pgs.
- Deuble, Maj. Stephen, "War and Peace: Russia's Effective Blurring of Lines, or is it?" SAASS Thesis, 2018, 91 pgs.
- Lesperance, Col. Jeffrey, "Great Power Competition with Russia in the Gray Zone," AWC PSP, 2021, 20 pgs.
- Morris, Lt. Col. Paul, "Russian Deep Operations: A Contemporary Application" AWC PSP, 2020, 20 pgs.
- Pomaro, Lt. Col. Nicholas, "Russia's Application of Military Power in the Syrian Conflict: 2015-2017," AWC elective paper, 2019, 11 pgs.
- Tittinger, Maj. James E., "Preparing for the Rain: Defending USAFE from Russia's Standoff Capabilities," AFGC thesis, 2025, 43 pgs.
- Tittinger demonstrates that the Russian way of war has undergone a doctrinal shift, now relying immensely on long-range standoff strikes to shape the battlespace because of their ground forces' logistical failures and slow movements. The Russian military has shown it will bypass direct confrontation by continuously launching Kh-101 and KALIBR cruise missiles from deep within Russian territory, Belarus, or from naval vessels in the Black Sea. This approach aims to achieve "shock and awe" and psychological devastation rather than relying solely on traditional ground maneuvers.
- Wilkinson, Maj. Carlos G., "Russia's Failure to Effectively Employ Airpower in the 2022 Ukraine Conflict," GCPME thesis, 2023, 39 pgs.
- What is the Russian Concept of Domains? (RSI EUCOM): How does the Russian concept of warfare domains differ from the West's traditional domain structure, and what are the strategic implications?