POL S 375: Russia and China Challenges, Military Capabilities, Autocracy, and Geopolitical Strategies

What is Russia's historical military focus?

Russia has historically been a continental empire concentrating power on its land borders.

What modernization effort did Russia undertake in 2008?

The 2008 'New Look' buildup modernized Russia's military capabilities.

What is China's military strategy described as?

China's military strategy is described as 'continentally-based, globally aiming' with a focus on seapower growth.

What is the Belt and Road Initiative's significance for China?

The Belt and Road Initiative recenters China's power on continental links.

What are key characteristics of Russian autocracy?

Russia has a long autocratic tradition with strongman rule, repression of opposition, and systemic corruption.

What defines China's political system?

China is a one-party state with heavy information control and a move towards personalist rule under Xi Jinping.

What is the Wagner Group known for?

The Wagner Group is a key Russian private military company involved in hybrid warfare.

What significant events occurred in Russia in 2008 and 2014?

In 2008, Russia attacked Georgia, and in 2014, it annexed Crimea and intervened in Donbas.

What is Goldstein's view on the Taiwan/China issue?

Goldstein notes Russia's annexation of Crimea and emphasizes deception in military strategy.

What does Mastro argue about China's military capabilities regarding Taiwan?

Mastro argues that China exaggerates its military capabilities and that Taiwan lacks the ability to attack.

What is the Nine-dash line?

The Nine-dash line is used by China to articulate its expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea.

What is the Russian concept equivalent to Lebensraum?

Russia's equivalent is the territorial expansion of the 'Ethnic Russian World.'

What factors characterize Russia's 'distinctive brand of fascism' according to The Economist?

Key factors include a cult of personality around Putin, a yearning for a lost golden age, and reliance on victimhood rhetoric.

What is the significance of the 'Z' symbol in Russian propaganda?

The 'Z' symbol is used in aestheticized propaganda to promote unity and support for the state.

What is the current state of Russia's nuclear capabilities?

Russia claims to have advanced nuclear capabilities, including hypersonic missiles, and possesses 90% of the world's stockpiled nuclear weapons.

What are the implications of the New START treaty?

The New START treaty sets an upper limit of 1550 deployed strategic warheads for both the U.S. and Russia.

What does Zhanna Nemtsova argue regarding the war in Ukraine?

Nemtsova suggests that the war keeps Russia in a state of emergency, giving Putin advantages, and calls for provisions to prevent Russian rearmament.

What is the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Putin's policy options?

The invasion has hardened Putin's resolve and narrowed his policy options, making reconciliation with the West impossible.

How has Russia's economy changed due to the war?

Russia's economy now operates on a wartime footing, with increased defense spending and enrichment of elites connected to the defense sector.

What is the 'axis of upheaval' mentioned in the context of Russia's alliances?

The 'axis of upheaval' refers to the alliance between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea that challenges U.S. and European interests.

What are the consequences of relaxing pressure on Russia according to experts?

Experts warn that relaxing pressure could be interpreted as weakness, leading to new opportunities for Russian aggression.

What is the significance of NATO's current situation in relation to Russia?

NATO faces a dangerous transition as Russia rebuilds its military while European defense capacity remains limited.

What does the term 'Dark State' refer to in the context of Russia?

The 'Dark State' refers to the oppressive and authoritarian characteristics of the Russian regime under Putin.

What role does censorship play in Russia's governance?

Censorship in Russia produces an 'imposed consensus' and controls information to maintain power.