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Noor Waleed
Reference: Graeme, P. Herd. Understanding Russian Strategic Behavior. New York: Routledge, 2022.
This book is penned by Graeme P. Herd. He is a professor of Transnational Security Studies and chair of the Research and Policy Analysis Department at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, Garmisch- Panter Kirchen, Germany. He has published numerous works regarding Post- Soviet Security Politics in a variety of journals. His areas of expertise are Russian strategic culture, Russian foreign and security policy and Putin’s operational code. He holds a doctorate In Russian History from the University of Aberdeen.
In his book, Graeme P. herd inquires whether the west considers Putin an issue or Russia a problem? Herd’s answer complements both. Russia formulated the personality of Putin, and Vladimir Putin in response has constructed Russia’s imperial strategic and operational code of Russia. Herd has produced a linkage between history, historical background of Russia and its current strategic behavior. Herd has crafted the concept of contemporary Russian strategic culture as an ongoing process of perpetuate development of identity and values. Herd portrays a state confined within the boundaries of its fore passed past.
In chapter 1, Herd explains the perpetual pattern adjoining past soviet regimes with Putin’s political strategy, pointing out dictatorial processes of governance that have brought concentrated development and implementation of policy. Chapter 2 identifies the idea of strategic culture, which is the ultimate result of an unlimited hunger for supreme power rank, by strict command of its frontiers. These components have formulated perpetual goals of Russia along with reasoning for the concentration of power through an unceremonious web of security operators at the cost of progressive growth of citizens’ rights.
Chapter 3 confronts the recurrent explanation of Russian history while introducing the conundrum faced by Russian leaders since the Tsarist age of maintaining the balance between up gradation of its society and its innate danger of instability. Chapter 4 recognizes similarities between Putin his Soviet forerunners, considering the impact of personality cult, economic recession, and the exclusive security group along with nationalistic activation, and an increased threat apprehension perceived by the regime. Chapter 5 crafts the picture of Russia as a “Hybrid State”, in which an unceremonious network of security operators work with the formal organs of state to command the information President receives. This complex combination is in a synergetic relationship with Putin.
Chapter 6 further explains these procedures of decision-making, portraying them as running results due to the influence of history and Putin. Peace within the state and an uncertain outside world permit Russia to gain strategic benefit over enemies, whereas tactical obscurity helps Putin to get supreme benefits with reduced dangers. In chapter 7, Herd describes the strategic mechanism of Russia by which it portrays itself as a mediatory state in significant part of the world to reason its role as a big power. Chapter 8 tests numerous situations of power transformation from the perpetuation of Putin in power, to his utilization as nominal head, to modernization.
The book concludes with a test of the contradictions of Putin’s leadership, confined fortress mentality, and explosives placed in the system. Herd predicts the downfall of the regime due to its failure in gaining recognition. He predicts the downfall to occur after 2030. Herd gives a persuading argument based on Russia’s past for its strategic mindset. This work is not a landmark interpretation of Russia’s strategic behavior as numerous scholars have produced such kind of work, yet it is a fine effort encompassing past and present episodes linked with the strategic mindset of Russia. Utilization of past to forecast the future may oversimplify things. In the initial period of the presidency, Putin attempted for a deeper connection with the west. Herd further portrayed the influence of powerful individuals within the security apparatus of Russia. He could have further investigated the role of these individuals as they have assisted Putin in taking crucial decisions.
Moreover, this book does not include the role of Russian people in forecasting the future of Putin’s regime. The population is now exposed to more information and better life opportunities. It has been observed that people’s dissatisfaction over economic conditions may ignite political change. This aspect could have been elaborated. The book gives a strong rational perspective regarding the arms contestation between Russia and the NATO.
Although it does not stand as predictive work regarding the war performance of Russia as it could not invade Kyiv within two days as boasted by Putin. Still this book possesses a concrete perspective based on history. As a contribution to foreign relations studies, this book guides readers towards a specific environment to unleash the behaviors, ideologies behind the Russian strategic thinking.
This book is recommended for the students and scholars of Russian policies to understand the rationale behind the Russia’s strategic and foreign policy choices. It is a well-argued and timely written work for contemporary readers. Readers should pay attention towards the point that for Putin and his country, encirclement and containment have become key tools to exhibit performance. Herd’s work manifests that it is the product of Russia’s dreadful, optimistic past.
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