| Abstract [eng] |
Master thesis “The Challenges of Russian Nuclear Deterrence Policy in the 21st Century” analyzes how tactical nuclear weapons are being used as a shaping tool for the foreign policy strategy in nowadays Russia. Despite the obvious strategy of the nuclear deterrence, the weapons themselves are not only means of military capabilities but also the determinant of foreign policy direction. The main object of this study is the ambiguity of Russian nuclear policy towards Europe in the last few decades. Although there were continuous cooperation agreements towards the reduction of nuclear weapons between US and Russia, no positive outcome has been reached. The main issue of this analysis is the strategic uncertainty that has appeared when the passive collaboration ended up as an actively aggressive Russian foreign policy strategy. Because of this strategic hostility the main objective of this analysis is the explanation of the dynamics in Russian strategic thinking while choosing competition instead of cooperation. In order to investigate the possible causes, few tasks must be completed. First of all, the main theoretic provisions for strategic deterrence must be revised. Additionally, the evolution of deterrence policy between US and Russia must be taken into consideration. While the hypothetical cooperation between two states was possible, the remaining motives towards the change of heart in Russian thinking have to be accounted. Moreover, the technological evolution of the weaponry and its impact on the deterrence idea must not be forgotten. And last but not least, the remaining question of limited nuclear war as a means of Russian foreign policy strategy and the guarantee of regional security must be discussed. While the main idea of this analysis was the investigation of the possible connection between choice of favorable weaponry and foreign policy choices, some additional tasks were completed. The revisionist motives and lack of security in state’s perception have a certain negative impact on any cooperation possible. Because of this problem together with the inability to objectively evaluate the public communication of state’s interests, cooperation becomes a challenge. |
