The relationship between Russia's military theory and the future of its advanced technological capability

Russia's Military Industrial Complex, the repository of nearly all of Russia's advanced technological capability, has been severely weakened by the political and economic difficulties associated with the demise of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. Despite these difficulties, the Russian military has much to offer the international debate about the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA). The theories developed by the Russians will also influence the future of the advanced technological capability of the MIC. Although the military's ability to turn theory into practice has been stymied, the prospects are not completely bleak. If "hovering," the Russian policy of conducting research and building prototypes, but not putting a design into production, is successful and arms sales remain stable, the Russian's high technology capability should survive this "Time of Troubles."