DEFAERO Strategy Series [Sep 23, 25] Understanding Russia’s Calculus on Aggression in Europe

On today’s Strategy Series program, sponsored by General Atomic Aeronautical Systems, Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the new report the co-authored with Kate Johnston and Greg Weaver — Understanding Russia’s Calculus on Opportunistic Aggression in Europe — including the core role of opportunism in Vladimir Putin’s strategic approach to undermine Russia’s adversaries; the reality that NATO nations may be forced to defend the alliance without help from the United States should a crisis in the Indo-Pacific force Washington to shift focus from Europe to Asia; capability areas where the alliance’s European members rate well and where more work is required; how Europe can step up capabilities indigenously especially if America decided against selling weapons to bolster its own depleted stocks; how NATO must respond to Russia’s mounting provocations and how it can respond when US support is now conditional; roles China, Iran and North Korea can play to advance Russia’s interests in Europe; and need to support Ukraine and critical role Kyiv can play in bolstering European capabilities.