The Putin Doctrine

A guide to the mind behind Kremlin policies

As the Obama administration charts its second-term policy toward Russia, it should take into account the aspirations that guide Russias president, Vladimir Putin. In his latest Russian Outlook, AEI Resident Scholar and Director of Russian Studies Leon Aron explains the Putin Doctrine and why it does not bode well for the future of US-Russian relations. So, what are Putins priorities?
Reestablishing control over politics, the courts, national television, and the commanding heights of the economy, especially the oil and natural gas industries.

Courting antiAmerican clients in the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Emblematic of this policy are Moscows protection of Syrian President Bashar alAssads murderous regime and visits by numerous Russian officials to Cuba and Venezuela.

Maintaining nuclear parity with the United States. Putin justifies his steadfast resistance to a US/NATO missile defense system in Europe with the fact that it allegedly upsets the strategic balance.

Legitimizing the regime using a besieged fortress strategy and anti-Americanism. Putin accuses the US of seeking to remain the one single master of the world and calls pro-democracy opposition jackals searching for crumbs at foreign embassies.

Substantially increasing defense spending. The Kremlin is currently pursuing a $770 billion defense rearmament program. In Putins words, its obvious we wont be able to develop our international position, our economy or democratic institutions if we cannot defend Russia. . . . We must not tempt anyone with our weakness.

Pursuing political, economic, military, and cultural reintegration of the post-Soviet space. The Kremlin has asserted that the deepening of integration of the former Soviet territory is at the heart of Russias foreign policy. This quest has resulted in the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Customs Union, which will expand into the Common Economic Space and then, in 2015, into the Eurasian Union.

The Putin Doctrine leaves little room for compromise with the United States when Moscow believes that Washington is undermining Russias status as a great power. What are the implications of this doctrine for the future of bilateral relations? Aron suggests that in light of the friction between US and Russian core policy objectives, the Obama administration should consider a strategic pause in its relations with the Kremlin. Click here to read more.