The Armed Forces Of Russia In Asia
During the Cold War, the USSR possessed the largest armed forces in the world. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the total restructuring of these forces. 'Red Star East' examines the impact of these radical changes on its eastern frontiers.
East of the Ural Mountains, Russia shares borders with China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and North Korea. It has ocean borders with Japan and the USA. The Korean peninsula immediately adjacent to Russian Far East territory is the most serious potential flashpoint in the region. As Russian political and economic systems continue to undergo far-reaching changes in circumstances of considerable volatility, its military capabilities and intentions remain of paramount concern to its neighbours in the east.
'Red Star East' presents an overview of the emergency of the new Russian state which explains the formative influences on its armed forces east of the Urals. It then asseses the condition of these forces at the beginning of a new millennium in the light of a review of national strategic doctrine and policies, and current capacities. Within the framework of a newly-restructured military organisation, the book surveys Russia's far eastern nuclear, ground, air and naval forces to answer two questions. What does Russia want to do with its military power in the region? What could Russia do with that power?
