National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation (2021 Summary)

Approved: 2 July 2021

This document, approved by President Vladimir Putin on July 2, 2021, is a foundational strategic planning document that outlines Russia’s national interests, strategic national priorities, and public policy objectives for long-term national security and sustainable development. It reflects a hardening stance towards the West and a strong focus on internal stability and sovereignty.

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Key Aspects of the 2021 Strategy

• Confrontation with the West: The strategy explicitly identifies “unfriendly countries,” including the United States, as aiming to weaken Russia militarily, technologically, economically, and “spiritually.” It suggests that the confrontation with the West is a long-term condition.

• Information Confrontation: A significant emphasis is placed on “information security.” The strategy states that new information technologies are being used to interfere in Russian internal affairs and calls for the creation of a sovereign internet segment and the development of national technologies for “information confrontation.”

• Defense of “Traditional Values”: The document highlights that Russia’s “traditional spiritual, moral, cultural, and historical values” are under active attack by the United States and its allies. It emphasizes the protection of Russian cultural sovereignty.

• Internal Focus and Sovereignty: The strategy has a strong internal focus, addressing demographics, political stability, and economic development. It calls for Russia to increase its independence from the international environment in key sectors like food, energy, and technology.

• Strategic Stability: While confrontational in tone, the strategy also mentions the importance of “strategic stability and mutually beneficial international cooperation,” indicating a desire to maintain some level of dialogue and predictability in international relations.

• Arctic Focus: The Arctic is identified as a region of strategic focus for Russia in terms of economic development and security.