Continuity and Innovation in Russias Way of War

Russia s ongoing military operations in Ukraine and Syria present an evolving challenge for analysts and observers. The perception of novelty in the Russian approach to achieving military effect sparked a fashion in the West for referring to hybrid warfare or a Gerasimov doctrine two concepts unrecognizable in Russia. That trend has now largely passed within the expert community, but debates continue on the roots of Russia s way of war, how sustainable it may be, and where it may be employed next. Keir Giles will present findings from his recent major report issued through Chatham House, Russia s New Tools for Confronting the West. He argues that the approaches and capabilities demonstrated by Russia in 201416 are best understood not as a radical new invention, but as traditional Russian and Soviet doctrine, enhanced by adoption of new technologies. This continuity gives pointers to how they may develop further, and what limits they may pla