Russia's National Security Strategy: Analysis of Conceptual Evolution

The conflict in Ukraine and the subsequent worsening of relations between Russia and the West has left a strong imprint on Russia’s strategic security documents. Starting with the renewal of military doctrine in late 2014, Russia has approved changes to all the major security documents within the pace of few years (2014–2016). This article analyzes how the key parameters of the national security strategy have evolved in comparison with the previous versions of the strategy. Revisions made to the text highlight Russia’s vision of world politics as struggle for resources and power, as well as a heightened sense of danger toward Russia. The analysis draws attention to the importance of an ‘asymmetric approach’ in Russia’s thinking on contemporary conflict situations.