The asymmetric answers (with the focus on Russia's rhetoric and actions)

Abstract

The paper starts with a brief review of the notion of ‘asymmetric warfare’ and asymmetric answers in the rhetoric of Soviet leaders. The point to be stressed is that the ‘asymmetric answer’ is always an unequal response by definition. The main idea of such a response is very clear: to eliminate the existing power imbalance at minimal expenses of the weaker side. The threats of ‘asymmetric answers’ on real or imagined international challenges and dangers have returned to the Russian president rhetoric in early 2000s. What has happened? The range of possible causes of this policy shift varies from the US foreign policy and various geopolitical issues to domestic reasons associated with the elections to come. The paper analyses the main versions. What actions are standing behind the words about the ‘asymmetric answers’ that might shape the landscape of international relations of the first half of the 21st century? The paper highlights this issue and looks onto the observed future of international relations.

Citation

Rukavishnikov, V. (2009), "The asymmetric answers (with the focus on Russia's rhetoric and actions)", Caforio, G. (Ed.) Advances in Military Sociology: Essays in Honor of Charles C. Moskos (Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, Vol. 12 Part 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 395-413. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1572-8323(2009)000012A022