Elizabeth Buchanan writes for RUSI: In its new national security strategy, Moscow acknowledges the international system has thrown up a ‘new architecture’ which has been ‘accompanied by an increase in geopolitical instability’. This 2021 iteration unveils Russia’s plans to standardise its strategic engagement in the international system based on ‘mutually beneficial’ cooperation. The new security strategy signals that Moscow firmly sees itself as an independent stakeholder (and actor) focused on shoring up its national interests. While still committed to the existing international order – indeed, Russia remains a stalwart supporter of the UN Security Council and of principles of non-interference – Moscow’s engagement within the system will be shaped by its newly articulated strategic independence.
see the RUSI’s website: Russia’s 2021 National Security Strategy: Cool Change Forecasted for the Polar Regions | Royal United Services Institute (rusi.org)