Russian annexation of Crimea and the subsequent air campaign over Syria took the world by surprise. The capabilities and efficiency of Moscow s armed forces during both operations signalled to the world that Russia was back in business as a significant military actor on the international stage. In this cutting-edge study, Bettina Renz provides an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of Russia s military revival under Putin s leadership. Whilst the West must adjust to the reality of a modernised and increasingly powerful Russian military, she argues that the renaissance of Russian military might and its implications for the balance of global power can only be fully understood within a wider historical context. Assessing developments in Russian Great Power thinking, military capabilities, Russian strategic thought and views on the use of force throughout the post-Soviet era, the book shows that, rather than signifying a sudden Russian military resurgence, recent developments are consistent with longstanding trends in Russian military strategy and foreign policy.

• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Russian foreign policy and military power
• Chapter 2: Reforming the military
• Chapter 3: Russia's 'other' armed forces: the force structures
• Chapter 4: Russian uses of military power since 1991
• Chapter 5: Russian military thinking and 'hybrid warfare'
• Conclusion
• Bibliography