Russia's Hybrid Warfare: The Prowess and Limitations of Putin's (In)Visible Hand in Estonia and Latvia
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Date
2017-09-06
Authors
Casselman, Rachel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Russia’s recent increase in acts of aggression against bordering nations is concerning. After Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, many wondered if the world should anticipate a Baltic intervention. This paper seeks to analyze this question through a comparative study of Russia’s recent interventions in Georgia and Ukraine, an analysis of the Estonian and Latvian Russian-speaking population, and an analysis of the NATO alliance’s strengths and weaknesses in deterring a possible Russian threat. From my analysis, I conclude that a conventional Baltic intervention is unlikely. However, I also conclude that the NATO alliance is not prepared to counter non-conventional acts of aggression and that these tactics could become more common in international conflicts. Therefore, I also conclude that a non-conventional Baltic intervention from Russia is possible and, consequently, the alliance should re-examine its framework.
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Keywords
Compatriot, Estonia, Hybrid warfare, Latvia, NATO, Russia