Revolution in Military Affairs
Fear and Loathing in Ukraine (and Russia)
Oct 14, 2024
Ben Connable, a retired Marine and adjunct professor at Georgetown, discusses the nuances of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, supported by insights from his forthcoming book on ground combat. He challenges conventional military narratives and highlights the psychological effects of nationalism on both sides. The conversation also critiques the fixation on the 'superhuman soldier' narrative and examines military procurement's clash with real combat needs. Connable offers a deep dive into Russian resilience and the historical context shaping current warfare strategies.
45:38
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Quick takeaways
- Russia's historical traumas and cultural factors, like nationalism and spirituality, significantly bolster their resilience amidst the Ukraine conflict.
- Ukraine's complex victory definition contrasts with NATO's pragmatic approach, highlighting differing strategic objectives in resolving the ongoing war.
Deep dives
Understanding Russian National Will
The strength of Russia’s national will to fight is deeply rooted in historical and cultural factors, including trauma, nationalism, spirituality, and fatalism. Russian culture emphasizes a long-standing sense of suffering and survival, reflecting on significant historical traumas, such as the collapse of the Soviet Union and conflicts like Chechnya. This historical context feeds into a nationalism that views the nation as a cohesive entity deserving strong military influence on global affairs. Additionally, spirituality, particularly through the Russian Orthodox Church, instills a sense of duty to the state, contributing to the overall resilience of Russians in the face of adversity.
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