International security

Russia's New Wars: Why Is Putin Picking a Fight?

The official state seal of the Russian Federation features a double-headed eagle. One head faces east while the other faces west, indicating Russia is a country with a split identity, both European and Asian. This ancient symbol is also an apt descriptor of recent Russian actions in Ukraine and Syria. After decades decrying U.S. military modernization and intervention overseas, Russian President Vladimir Putin is embarking duplicitously on his own modernization efforts during multiple foreign interventions.

Now the incoming Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, President Obama’s top military advisers, have both called Russia the number one threat America faces. Policy analysts are debating whether further Obama-Putin summits would help or hurt relations.