A massive increase of 180,000 troops, the restart of 20,000 combat vehicles in stock: a full-scale war is about to begin?
Undercurrents under the Torrent of Steel: The Fog and Signals Behind Russia's Military Expansion
With 180,000 troops and 20,000 combat vehicles, this set of numbers is like a thunderstorm on the ground, which exploded in the international community. Russia, the giant that straddles Eurasia, has once again brought the world back to the tense atmosphere of the end of the Cold War with its formidable military might. Some say it's another show of muscle by the "fighting nation", while others worry it portends a prelude to a larger conflict. What kind of fog and signal are hidden behind this torrent of steel?
The scale and speed of Russia's military expansion are remarkable. The army of 180,000 is equivalent to the size of the army of a medium-sized country out of thin air, which is enough to exert military pressure on any country. And the restart of 20,000 stock combat vehicles is more like opening a "Pandora's box" that has been sealed for a long time, which is reminiscent of the torrent of steel of the Soviet Red Army during World War II.
Behind this "show of muscles" is Russia's deep anxiety about its own security environment. NATO's eastward expansion and the continuous fermentation of the Ukraine crisis have made Russia feel unprecedented strategic pressure. As one scholar put it: "Russia is like a polar bear cornered that has to show its fangs to protect its living space." ”
Is military expansion really the answer? It is true that strong force can deter potential adversaries to a certain extent, but at the same time it can exacerbate tensions, trigger an arms race, and even push the world into the abyss of war. The lessons of history tell us that true security and stability come from dialogue and cooperation, not from armed confrontation.
What is more worth pondering is the impact of this military expansion on Russia's own economy and society. Huge military spending is bound to squeeze investment in other fields, which is undoubtedly worse for Russia, which is already facing economic difficulties.
How should the international community respond to Russia's assertive moves? Is it-for-tat, or is it calm and restrained? This is an issue that requires serious consideration and trade-offs.
Perhaps, we should look at this question from another angle: what is the reason for such strong security anxiety in Russia? Can the international community find a mechanism to resolve differences, enhance mutual trust, and jointly build a more secure and stable world order?
Russia's military expansion is like a mirror that reflects the complexity and fragility of the security landscape in the world today. It reminds us that peace and stability are hard-won and require the joint efforts of all parties to maintain them.
Resources:
Global Military Spending Report 2023 published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Strategic Vision 2024 published on NATO's official website
Where will this torrent of steel end up? Is it peace, or is it war? The answer to this question is in everyone's hands.