War in our time, episode 3: "Know your enemy"

Summary

This documentary explores the shifting nature of modern warfare, with a particular focus on Russia’s strategic mindset and the growing threat of global conflict. It delves into Russia's aggressive expansionism, driven by nationalistic ideologies and a brutal military culture. The script also highlights the importance of societal resilience in facing prolonged wars, stressing the need for nations to prepare not just militarily but also to safeguard civilian infrastructure. Ultimately, it emphasizes understanding adversaries' motivations and the evolving dynamics of modern warfare in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modern warfare involves a variety of strategies, including cyberattacks, influence operations, and sabotage of critical infrastructure.
• 😀 Russia’s internal military culture, such as dedovshchina (abuse of new recruits), plays a significant role in the country's disregard for the laws of war.
• 😀 The rhetoric used by Russian leadership, such as ‘de-Nazifying’ Ukraine, serves to erase identities and justify extreme violence and brutality.
• 😀 Modern warfare is brutal and long-lasting, with civilian infrastructure and human lives often targeted, making recovery difficult and prolonged.
• 😀 Russia’s motivations for expansion are rooted in a historical narrative of reclaiming lost power and status, particularly after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
• 😀 NATO views Russia's aggressive ambitions as a long-term, consistent threat, regardless of leadership changes in Russia.
• 😀 Modern warfare is multi-dimensional, fought across various domains like land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace, with all elements interacting to influence outcomes.
• 😀 Societal preparedness is essential in modern warfare, as attacks on power grids, water supplies, and other civilian infrastructures are likely to occur and disrupt daily life.
• 😀 Russia’s social contract is markedly different from Western countries, with a higher emphasis on defense spending and less on social welfare programs.
• 😀 Understanding an adversary’s culture, history, and motivations is crucial for anticipating their actions and formulating effective responses in conflicts.
• 😀 The resilience of societies, like Ukraine, shows that war is not a short-term event; it involves enduring hardships and continuing to function under severe pressure.

Q & A

What are some examples of modern war-preparatory actions mentioned in the script?

Modern war-preparatory actions include cyberattacks, influence operations, GPS sabotage, physical attacks such as destroying infrastructure, poisoning water, assassinations, and sabotaging power supplies.

What does the term 'Ruski mir' mean, and how does it relate to Russia's worldview?

'Ruski mir' refers to the concept of the 'Russian world' or 'Russian peace,' which is a worldview centered around Russian dominance and influence. It suggests a peace enforced through Russian power, often accompanied by violence and disregard for international laws of warfare.

How does Russia's internal military culture contribute to its conduct in warfare?

Russia's internal military culture, particularly the practice of 'dedovshchina' (abusing new recruits), creates an environment of violence and oppression. This culture of brutality among soldiers extends to their treatment of outsiders, contributing to Russia's disregard for laws of war and its brutal tactics in battle.

What is the significance of Putin's rhetoric about 'de-Nazifying' Ukraine, and how does it serve Russian strategic goals?

Putin's rhetoric about 'de-Nazifying' Ukraine is primarily a tool to justify Russian aggression and to erase Ukrainian identity. Despite the absurdity of calling a Jewish president 'Nazified,' the rhetoric is part of a broader effort to demonize Ukraine and suppress any national identity that stands against Russian influence.

What role does the size of Russia's military and its lack of regard for soldiers' survival play in modern warfare?

Russia's military strategy is built on overwhelming numbers rather than precision or the survival of individual soldiers. This approach reflects a willingness to sacrifice soldiers in large numbers, viewing their losses as less significant compared to achieving strategic goals through sheer volume.

What is the difference between modern warfare and traditional warfare, according to Jonny Lindfors?

Modern warfare is described as just as brutal and bloody as traditional warfare, but it involves a wider range of platforms and technologies, including air, sea, cyberspace, and even space. The adversary uses all available means to achieve victory, targeting everything from military infrastructure to civilian systems.

Why is it important for a country like Sweden to prepare both its military and civilian infrastructure for modern warfare?

In modern warfare, the adversary targets not only military forces but also civilian infrastructure such as power grids, water supply, and communication systems. A resilient society that can maintain essential functions during war is crucial for enduring prolonged conflict and resisting attacks.

How does Russia's prioritization of defense spending affect its domestic services?

Russia allocates a significant portion of its state budget—about 29%—to defense and security, leaving less funding for social services like healthcare, education, and research. This reflects a focus on military strength at the expense of domestic welfare and long-term investments in public services.

What was the impact of the 1990s on Russia's view of democracy and its current political outlook?

The 1990s were a period of hardship in Russia, which many citizens associate with 'crapocracy' or poor governance. As a result, there is little desire for democracy, which is often viewed as a failed experiment. This historical experience shapes Russia's current authoritarian political outlook.

What lessons can be drawn from the ongoing war in Ukraine for other nations like Sweden?

The war in Ukraine demonstrates the importance of national resilience and the need for a robust defense strategy. It highlights how societies must be prepared for long-term conflict, where military strength is only one aspect of survival. Civilian preparedness and the ability to maintain essential services during war are equally vital.