Russian Aggression against Ukraine from the Perspective of Russia’s Political-Strategic Culture

Abstract

When analyzing the root causes of Putin’s military aggression in Ukraine, the influence of Moscow’s historical experiences should be taken into account. Ever since the formation of the first Russian state (Kievan Rus’), the political elite paid significant attention to holding a strategic presence in the Dnieper, Sea of Azov and the Black Sea regions. Most importantly, the historic linkage between the strong center periphery at home and the activity in the named regions is profound. Putin’s policies at home and abroad reveal the traditional intermestic nature of the policies established for pursuing Moscow’s national security interests. The central argument underpinning this article concerns the impact of the historical influences of Putin’s domestic and foreign policy approach to Ukraine. I attempt to advance an understanding that Putin’s illiberal agenda, both at home and abroad, has been the manifestation of the values and interests articulated by past Russian ruling elites. I argue that Putin’s political decisions in Ukraine and the strengthening of the power vertical style of rule at home are strategically interlinked choices that reflect the Russian leader’s understanding of the lessons bequeathed by previous ruling elites for promoting Russia’s great power aspirations in the context of the internal and external other.