In an analytical contribution for al Jazeera, RSC Director Richard Giragosian assesses the Russian “capacity for raid power projection” and its “equally assertive force posture, marked by an expansion of its presence throughout the wider region.”
Excerpt:
“Resurgent Russia takes on tenacious Turkey.”
From Ukraine to Syria, Russia is determined to confront and contain the West.
Russia's capacity for rapid power projection has been unexpectedly successful, catching many Western observers off guard.
Beyond the Ukrainian theatre, Russian military operations have steadily expanded from assertive sorties violating the airspace of several NATO member countries to a more sophisticated campaign in Syria. And with a missile launch from Russian naval forces in the Caspian Sea, this included a more potent display of force capability.
Yet, it is not the impressive degree of effective power projection that comes as the only surprise. Rather, Russia's force posture has been equally assertive, marked by an expansion of its presence throughout the wider region.
Against this backdrop, the downing of a Russian fighter by Turkey near the Syrian border has sparked a critical confrontation between Russia and Turkey.
As this crisis continues to rapidly escalate tension, Russia is moving quickly to bolster its position throughout the wider region.”