Press Release, 22.02.2017

Alexei Arbatov, one of the leading Russian experts in the field of military policy and international security, Academician of Russian Academy of Sciences, and member of the Federal Political Committee of the YABLOKO party, gave an interview to yabloko.ru on the threats and challenges facing Russia.

Here comes a summary of the key points:

• NATO does not threaten Russia, but due to continuous maneuvering in close proximity to each other, there emerges a danger of a direct collision. And then a war can break out.

• De-escalation of the confrontation, rather than armaments build-up may prevent this risk.

• The Great Powers are threatened by “blot-states”, such as the ISIS, prohibited in Russia. The Great Powers can defeat terrorist groups only working all together.

• Due to the military operation in Syria, Russia has become the main enemy of Islamic terrorism. Therefore, Russia should end its military operation in Syria.

• Sooner or later, the terrorists will move to Afghanistan and Central Asia, so it is vital for Russia to strengthen its southern borders. The Central Military District should be the strongest.

• The armies of Kazakhstan and other Russia’s allies in Central Asia should become stronger, as are the first to confront the blow from the south. It is easier for Russia to help them than to defend 7,000 km of its border themselves independently.

ACAD. ALEXEI ARBATOV
Member of YABLOKO’s Federal Political Committee, head of the Centre of International Security of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Doctor of Historical Sciences. Fellow of the Russian Academy of Sciences.