A model of defense for Russia.
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Authors
Hanson, David B.
Subjects
Advisors
Tritten, James J.
Date of Issue
1993-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
This thesis constructs an original model of defense for Russia. This model
is developed in the context of Russia's current military situation, but can easily be
adapted to other nations. It explains the geographic extent that a nation will
defend through the interplay of two factors: the cost of defense and the propensity
to defend. The dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the collapse of the Soviet Union
have left Russian forces based in potentially hostile territory which is logistically
insupportable in the event of hostilities. To support its troops, Moscow must redeploy
them and prepare new theaters of military operations. The requirement for
prepared theaters was discussed by the Russian military strategist, A. A. Svechin.
However, first Moscow must determine where wars are likely, and what territory
it will defend. The model draws upon the work of Halford Mackinder, Johann von Thunen,
Yi-Fu Tuan, and Walter Christaller. The model addresses the complexity of the
elements which compose the cost of defense and the propensity to defend. These
elements can come into conflict with each other over specific geographic areas.
Three regions of conflict are addressed: the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Ukraine.
The thesis concludes with some policy implications.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
101 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.