ABSTRACT
The chapter begins with a discussion of the state of the Russian armed forces today. It analyzes the factors that contributed to the deterioration of the armed forces. The chapter then describes new negative forms of soldier involvement in the state, arguing that they are symptomatic of the particular form of state-building occurring in Russia today, one characterized by the establishment of weak and dysfunctional state institutions. It also discusses how recent changes in soldier behavior may affect Russian democratic development and international stability. The initial lack of civilian elite concern with military affairs was reflected in a lack of initiative in actually creating a Russian armed force and providing it with a mission. International actors and institutions have been only marginally involved in influencing the process of Russian military reform. The chapter concludes by examining the future potential for domestic and international actors to reverse the destructive processes.
