This book is essentially a public version of the report produced by the Institute of World Military
Economics and Strategy (IWMES) at the National Research University-Higher School of Economics
whose purpose was to assist in the effort to update Russia’s policy of strategic deterrence. It is also a
product of the efforts undertaken jointly with our fellow experts and partners from the leading
countries of the World Majority aimed at redefining the very concept of deterrence, including nuclear
deterrence. The book summarizes the results of studies, workshops, and situation analyses conducted
in 2023 and 2024, including a three-day meeting held in May 2024. It is a public version of the report
presented to the Russian leadership.
Team of Authors:
Dmitry V. TRENIN – Director of Research, Institute of World Military Economics and Strategy;
Research Professor at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, National Research
University-Higher School of Economics; member of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy. The
principal author of the report.
Sergei I. AVAKYANTS – Admiral (Ret.), Director of the Institute of World Military Economics and
Strategy, National Research University-Higher School of Economics; member of the Presidium of the
Council on Foreign and Defense Policy.
Sergei A. KARAGANOV – Professor Emeritus, Academic Supervisor of the Faculty of World
Economy and International Affairs, National Research University-Higher School of Economics;
Honorary Chairman of the Presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy; head of the team
of authors and report co-editor.
Report Editor
Prokhor Yu. TEBIN – Director, Center for Military-Economic Studies at the Institute of World
Military Economics and Strategy, National Research University-Higher School of Economics.