The Strategic Culture of Russia. Why is the Dialogue so Challenging?

Abstract

This chapter concerns Russian strategic culture as a factor in East-West complicated dialogue. Strategic culture allows for a better understanding of the activity of states and non-state actors in the international relations. In the face of the many variables confronting today’s international relations, understanding of the state’s strategic culture is important, especially when it concerns those with superpower status, such as the Russian Federation. The analysis of this chapter informs the reader on various aspects of Russian strategic culture: its conditions, hallmarks, and influence on the foreign and security policy of the Russian Federation. Knowing them helps to better understand the sources of the misunderstandings between Russia and its international counterparts. Not only the long and complex history of Russia, but also geopolitics has created a siege mentality, a chronic suspiciousness, and an imperial syndrome that impede dialogue with Russia. A Russian sentiment of exceptionalism and a sense of a mission accompanied by a feeling of alienation deepen the lack of understanding between Moscow, its partners and rivals.