The Russian leadership understands that military tools alone cannot bring Moscow decisive success in its pursuit of international influence. And although this is true of every state, it is especially true of Russia. The dramatic mismatch between Russia's aggressive foreign policy ambitions and the resources needed to achieve them is the single most compelling contradiction in the Kremlin's policy. Russia's economy is increasingly uncompetitive in the modern international market and its soft power almost non-existent for a mainstream actor in a global arena. Fully aware of the limitations of their military tools, Russian politicians use a wide variety of other means, from diplomacy to psychology, in pursuit of their goals.1 However, armed force remains the most valued tool for Russia's political-military elite. As such, the capabilities and posture of the military tends to define certain limits of the country's foreign policy. The Kremlin understands well that an international perception of Russia's capabilities and intent is a prerequisite for success in its aggressive foreign policies.
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