The Russian Military: Three Years On

When they took over three years ago, the challenges facing the Kremlin's generals were formidable. How to create a first rate military force at a time when the Soviet Army was disintegrating. Despite considerable efforts, however, the fact is that the Russian Army is in far worse shape now than it was three years ago. In addition, a new danger is lurking on the political horizon, and it is not the oft mentioned fear of a military coup because the military is so deeply split that such an action is very unlikely. Rather, the major danger facing the political system is that one of a number of very conservative generals could be propelled by events into the political arena, an occurrence that would have the most serious consequences for the development of democracy in Russia.