The use of military force in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation

In their action, the Russian authorities use a number of different tools, military strength being one of the key ones. Russia’s neo-imperial ambitions are reflected in the new strategic and doctrinal documents. They follow a more confrontational line and emphasize Russia’s desire to frame a new architecture of international security. In pursuing its strategic goals, Russia has undertaken a comprehensive programme of technical upgrade of its armed forces, launches impressive military exercise programmes and militarizes the society. The worsening international situation at the beginning of the 21st century, as a derivative of the growing power and importance of the Russian Federation, posed a threat to the countries of the former Warsaw Pact. The aim of the article is to discuss the military tools employed in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation, both direct and indirect. In areas of strategic interest outside the post-Soviet area, they mainly take an indirect form. An example of Russia’s desire to restore its imperial influence is demonstrations of its strategic combat capabilities, including by taking provocative action in the western direction.