Please note: this event has passed
*Closed to Defence Academy members of staff*
With Syria figuring so highly in Western military thinking, it is important to remember the factor which appears to be most influential in extending the conflict there: the presence of Russian forces. Since 2015, these forces have acted to provide game-changing support to Syrian government troops in their war against rebel elements. This Russian presence is, moreover, not only evident onshore, there is also a substantial and supporting naval flotilla operating offshore in the Eastern Mediterranean. President Vladimir Putin has said on several occasions that both of these commitments will be 'permanent' in nature. But why this degree of certitude? Why 'permanent'?
Dr Rod Thornton's original degree was in Russian and, ever since, his research interests have involved the study of the Russian armed forces. He is currently looking at the activities of the Russian military in both the kinetic and information/cyber realms and its thinking about how future wars will be conducted.
Event details
Ramslade RoomDefence Studies Department
Defence Academy, Faringdon Road, Watchfield, SN6 8LA