From 'Bridge of Cooperation' to A2/AD 'Bubble': The Dangerous Transformation of Kaliningrad Oblast. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sukhankin, Sergey
• Is Part Of: Journal of Slavic military studies. Volume 31:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Military art and science -- Former Soviet republics -- Periodicals; Military art and science -- Europe, Eastern -- Periodicals; Former Soviet republics -- Defenses -- Periodicals; Europe, Eastern -- Defenses -- Periodicals; 355.033247
• DOI: 10.1080/13518046.2018.1416732
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-8046

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Kaliningrad Oblast is one of the most telling examples related to practical implementation by the Russian Federation of the US-coined concept that came to be known as Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD). This westernmost Russian region, which has been detached from the rest of the country since 1991, used to be one of the most heavily militarized spots in the world in 1945–1991. After 1991, it lost much of its military potential yet has now regained it, becoming Russia's most advanced military stronghold. This article analyzes the essence of this transformation through tackling the issue from three different angles. First, it provides theoretical discussion on the essence of the A2/AD concept and its applicability to Kaliningrad. Secondly, it discusses the main historical milestones related to the transformation of Kaliningrad Oblast into Russia's military stronghold. Thirdly, it assesses the impact of the post-2014 events on Kaliningrad in terms of military buildup.