Year
2025
Season
Fall
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA)
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. Department of History
Committee Chairperson
Eulogio K. Romero, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Pamela A. Zeiser, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Gaylord Candler, Ph.D.
College Dean
Kaveri Subrahmanyam, Ph.D.
Abstract
This thesis paper adopts a comparative historical analytical approach to German and Russian strategic culture. It examines numerous historical, cultural, and ideational variables that have guided German and Russian strategic initiatives, particularly since the end of the Cold War. It illuminates the ways in which these factors have contributed to the diverging paths of strategic adaptation adopted by Germany and Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Utilizing theoretical concepts from strategic culture theory, historical and sociological institutionalism, and critical juncture theory, this paper argues that the Russian invasion precipitated a fundamental shift in Germany's strategic orientation vis a vis Russia. Furthermore, it seeks to demonstrate that Russia’s strategic miscalculations have confronted the Russian foreign policy community with its own unique external shock, albeit, one that has not precipitated a critical juncture in Russia. It examines their differential responses to these shocks, and argues that the decisions taken by their respective foreign policy elites have been socially, historically, and culturally-mediated. It also argues that the strategic cultures of Germany and Russia are neither static nor monolithic entities. Rather, both consist of numerous subcultures, each of which adhere to different strategic norms and pursue different foreign policy objectives. It operationalizes these concepts to explain strategic behavioral inconsistencies and processes of foreign policy transformation.
Suggested Citation
Rios, Andrew W., "The limits of strategic adaptation: Continuity and change in German and Russian strategic culture" (2025). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1388.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1388