Contenu
This book offers a definitive history of cooperation between the Royal Navy and Russian Navy from 1988 to 2014. The Royal and Russian Navies have a long history, dating from the founding of the Russian Navy by Peter the Great in 1696. During the Cold War, the Royal Navy and Soviet Navy interacted in a manner that, despite being adversaries, formed bonds against a 'common enemy' - the sea. This established military cooperation between the UK and Russia. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 ended this cooperation, reflecting the political rupture between Russia and the West. This was exacerbated further by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In the present political climate, the 25-year history of cooperation between the two navies has largely been forgotten. This book draws upon the authors' and others' lived experiences to provide an illuminating account of that period, and a unique insight to the Russian Navy. In doing so, it provides important lessons about how the Russian Navy thinks, behaves and operates and improves our understanding of Russians.
Although the book recommends a pathway back to military dialogue with Russia, it is also clear-eyed about the threat Russia poses. Moscow has an ambitious maritime strategy. Its navy is one against which the Royal Navy and other allied navies will, for the foreseeable future, compete and confront. This book is essential reading for all those wanting to understand Russia better. It enhances understanding of the threat the Russian Navy will continue to pose.