Die verdedigingsbeleid van die Sowjet-Unie, met spesifieke verwysing na die verdedigingsbeleid van die Russiese Federasie in die post-koue oorlog-era

Abstract

The defence policy of the Russian Federation is to a great extent influenced by the experiences and
culture taken over from the former Soviet Union. It is a policy reflecting a unique historical experience,
the geographical environment and a distinctive political culture. nus experience and culture have
resulted in a deep-rooted feeling of insecurity that serves as a point of departure for their defence policy.
This is being strengthened by a strategic culture with a leadership that is extremely security conscious
and a society that accepts military values and responsibility without question. There is. furthermore, a
huge suspicion towards foreigners, an understanding of the dangers of weakness and a tendency to view
the international politics in terms of power.
The changing global strategic environment of the post Cold War era, the break-up of the Warsaw Pact
and the Soviet Union and economic realities necessitated a change in the Russian Federation's view of
security and their defence policy. A shift in emphasis from a military-political focus to a welfareopulence
focus was required. The smaller amount of resources allocated to defence necessitated a cooperative
approach towards security in the international environment The Russian Federation still views
itself as an important world power and is accordingly on the lookout for ways to influence power
politics.