Buy the article on CAIRN websiteAbstract

Russian military doctrine assigns nuclear weapons a deterrent role which includes the possibility of limited nuclear strikes, an observation which is reinforced by recent exercises led by Russian forces. Insights from the 1990s concerning the restructuring of strategic forces have not been respected. Plans reviewed in 2000 have been newly modified in 2002 after the signature of the SORT Treaty. The composition of forces must from now on be radically reconsidered. The incertitude remains however on the capacity of Russia to develop programs, particularly concerning service maintenance of old ICBMs, the production of new missiles or new submarines.Yuri Fedorov is Professor of Political Science and Director of University MGIMO of Moscow. He is also Consultant at the Carnegie Center of Moscow.