ThinkTankWeekly

The Rise of the Russian Hawks: Ideology and Politics From the Late Soviet Union to Putin’s Russia

Foreign Affairs | 2026-02-17 | europe

Topics: Russia, Ukraine

Visit original source

ThinkTankWeekly provides a curated entry and summary only. Full text and PDF remain on the publisher's website.

English Summary

The research traces the rise of 'modernist conservatism'—an anti-Western ideology encompassing Orthodox monarchists and Eurasianists—from informal intellectual circles in the late Soviet era to its current influence on the Putin regime. Key evidence shows that these groups advocate for a self-reliant Russian model based on technological and military might to assert civilizational distinction from the West. While the Kremlin has increasingly adopted this thinking, the leadership now relies on external think tanks rather than formal state institutions for ideological production. This suggests that Russia's strategic direction is driven by decentralized, yet potent, ideological currents, complicating policy responses and signaling a persistent, non-state source of geopolitical pressure.

中文摘要

本研究追溯了「現代保守主義」的興起——這是一種涵蓋正統君主主義者和歐亞主義者的反西方意識形態——從蘇聯晚期的非正式知識圈,直至其當前對普京政權的影響。關鍵證據顯示,這些群體主張建立一個自立的俄羅斯模式,該模式基於技術和軍事力量,以確立與西方文明的區別。儘管克里姆林宮日益採納了這種思維,但其領導層現在依賴外部智庫而非正式國家機構來進行意識形態生產。這表明俄羅斯的戰略方向是由分散但強勁的意識形態思潮所驅動,這使得政策回應變得複雜化,並預示著一個持續的、非國家層面的地緣政治壓力來源。

Related Entries

  1. 1.

    Despite significant damage to its naval fleet, shipyards, and production facilities from recent strikes, Iran is expected to quickly reconstitute its military industrial base. This reconstitution relies heavily on importing dual-use components, such as machine tools, drone parts, and marine engines, through alternative routes like Pakistan or China. To counter this threat, the report advises that policymakers must extend sanctions mechanisms—particularly 'no reexport' clauses—and proactively engage third countries with direct access to Iran. Furthermore, monitoring allied firms dealing with key suppliers in China and Turkey is crucial to slowing down and raising the cost of necessary procurements.

    Read at CSIS

  2. 2.
    2026-06-26 | europe | 2026-W26 | Topics: Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Ukraine, United States

    Ukraine demonstrates remarkable resilience and technological adaptability despite continuous Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure and critical services. While Kyiv's military is adapting through innovative drone warfare and strikes, its long-term stability requires sustained international support to counter Russia’s escalating threats. Strategically, the U.S. must coordinate with key European powers (E3) due to shifting political attention, while immediately deploying negotiators to Ukraine to gain ground truth and plan for potential escalation scenarios.

    Read at Brookings

  3. 3.

    Africa's economic landscape is at a critical inflection point, shifting away from traditional foreign aid toward sophisticated commercial investment and private-sector co-investment. This transition is underpinned by major regional initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which grants African nations significant agency and negotiating leverage. Consequently, external powers must pivot their strategy from conditional development assistance to facilitating partnerships in key sectors such as digital infrastructure, energy transition, agribusiness, and critical minerals. Failure to acknowledge Africa's growing market options risks diminishing the influence of any single global partner.

    Read at CFR

  4. 4.
    2026-06-26 | economy | 2026-W26 | Topics: China, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Russia, Trade, Ukraine

    The Chatham House report warns of an imminent 'fifth mega-shock' to global food systems, driven by the convergence of geopolitical risks—such as disruptions in critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz—and resulting energy and fertilizer shortages. This vulnerability is compounded by structural weaknesses, notably the extreme concentration of staple crop reserves among a few nations, which heightens the risk of cascading inflation and widespread hunger. The analysis argues that historical shocks have failed to prompt deep systemic reforms, leaving global food security fragile and humanitarian aid strained. Policymakers must therefore urgently prioritize building resilience through supply chain diversification, avoiding nationalistic export restrictions, and coordinating international efforts to stabilize commodity markets.

    Read at Chatham House

  5. 5.
    2026-06-26 | middle_east | 2026-W26 | Topics: China, Europe, Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Trade, Ukraine, United States

    The analyst views the announced US-Iran deal as a fragile, temporary measure rather than a lasting settlement because it fails to address the core causes of conflict or resolve major outstanding issues like Iran's nuclear program. While reopening the Strait of Hormuz is welcome, true stability requires comprehensive negotiations that move beyond bilateral talks and incorporate regional stakeholders (e.g., China, Arab states). For the deal to endure, diplomatic efforts must adopt a multi-layered approach focused on building confidence among all parties and establishing clear structures for accountability and long-term support.

    Read at Chatham House