Russia’s Military Escalation in Syria

Institute experts assessed the strategic and political dimensions of Russia’s rapid military build up in Syria at a September 28 policy forum. Held on the same day that presidents Obama and Putin addressed the UN General Assembly, the event featured visiting fellow Fabrice Balanche from the University of Lyon, Ira Wiener Fellow Anna Borshchevskaya, Martin J. Gross Fellow Andrew Tabler, and Defense Fellow Jeffrey White. The event was moderated by Executive Director Robert Satloff, Howard P. Berkowitz Chair in U.S. Middle East Policy. With widespread reports of Russian advanced military hardware deliveries and the expansion of an Assad regime military airfield near the coastal city of Latakia have come urgent questions about Moscow’s intentions and capabilities. What do we know about the Russian escalation so far, and what are the implications for the Syria war, the Middle East, and global security? The Institute addressed these questions and more at this policy forum.