“When students, aspiring to become diplomats, ask me whom they should regard as a role model, I say “Sergei Ryabkov”. You demonstrate such a unique combination of perseverance when it comes to defending national interests, openness to a dialogue, gentleness, intelligence, flair erudition, considerable professional expertise and an innate curiosity, inherent in young spirits, coupled with an endearing charm. Happy anniversary!” – Vladimir Orlov, PIR Center Director and MGIMO Professor.

The present occasional paper seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the key provisions of the Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence and put them into perspective, while also drawing on the 2014 Military Doctrine. The “Basic Principles” is considered as a development of major importance since it is the first time in Russian history that such a detailed nuclear policy planning document is released publicly, and the room for misinterpretation of Russian nuclear policy is narrowed.

PIR Center continues to publish policy papers, which were prepared for a joint seminar on reducing nuclear risks during great power competition, which was co-organized together with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). As it appears that such competition is already underway, we decided to release two policy memos originally prepared for the seminar under one cover “Strategic (In)Stability: Perspectives from the U.S.”. As discussed by the authors, there is some overlooked potential for constructive engagement between Russian and the United States with regards to arms control and emerging technologies.