The Russian Interventions in South Ossetia and Crimea Compared: Military Performance, Legitimacy and Goals
Journal: Contemporary Security Policy
Year: 2014

Russian interventions in South Ossetia and Crimea indicate a major shift in Moscow's policy towards the former Soviet republics. This article compares the two interventions in terms of military performance, basis of legitimacy, and motivational goals. This confirms the formation of a new and more assertive Russian policy in the region. Although there were significant differences between the two interventions, improved Russian military capabilities reveal the Kremlin's plans to project power in t