By José Carlos Palma *
For the past 15 years, Vladimir Putin has been preparing Russia for a potential conflict with the West. In his view, the West has been encroaching on Russia’s sphere of influence, and he believes that Russia must be ready to defend itself against any aggression.
Putin’s preparations for conflict began in earnest with his speech at the Munich Conference in 2007. In that speech, he criticized the expansion of NATO and accused the West of betraying Russia. He also warned that Russia would not stand idly by if its interests were threatened.
Since then, Putin has been working to modernize Russia’s military and expand its global reach. He has invested heavily in new military technologies, including hypersonic missiles and advanced submarines. He has also expanded Russia’s presence in areas such as the Arctic and the Middle East.
In Syria, Russia has been supporting the regime of Bashar al-Assad and using the conflict to test new weapons and tactics. Russian military intervention in Syria has enabled Russia to show its military prowess and its willingness to intervene in regional conflicts.
In addition to military preparations, Putin has also been working to undermine the West through disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. Russian intelligence agencies have been accused of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and supporting pro-Russian political parties in Europe. These efforts have led to increased tensions between Russia and the West and a breakdown in trust.
Putin’s preparations for conflict have also been evident in his recent actions. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, leading to international condemnation and sanctions. Putin has also been accused of supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine and destabilizing the region. More recently, tensions have risen over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its treatment of opposition figures such as Alexei Navalny.
Putin’s preparations for conflict are driven by a number of factors. First, he sees the West as a threat to Russian interests, and he believes that Russia must be prepared to defend itself. Second, Putin views military strength as essential to Russia’s status as a global power. Third, Putin believes that the West is weak and divided, and he sees an opportunity to expand Russian influence.
Putin’s preparations for conflict have already had a significant impact on global stability and international order. The annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine have led to a breakdown in relations between Russia and the West. The Russian intervention in Syria has also had a profound impact on the region and has raised concerns about Russia’s intentions.
Looking to the future, Putin’s preparations for conflict are likely to continue. Russia’s military modernization program is set to continue, and the country is likely to expand its global reach even further. The recent invasion of Ukraine is a clear indication that Putin is not afraid to use military force if necessary.
In conclusion, Vladimir Putin’s preparations for conflict with the West have been ongoing for at least 15 years, and they are likely to continue. Putin’s investments in military technology, expansion of Russia’s global reach, and undermining of the West through disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks have led to increased tensions and a breakdown in trust. While it remains to be seen whether Putin will engage in direct military conflict with the West, his preparations have already had a profound impact on the world.
* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, and domestic security, intelligence, and military.