Collection
War History
Many are surprised by the poor performance of Russia's military in Ukraine. But let's be honest: when it comes to fighting wars, Russia has always -- to use the formal term -- "stunk". [THREAD]
- Curated in War History
By "stunk", I'm not just referring to losing wars. I'm referring to how efficiently Russia's military achieves its objectives.
- Curated in War History
But wins and loses are a useful starting metric.
- Curated in War History
- Curated in War History
Or go back to the wars in Chechnya. Though Russia inflicted massive damage...
- Curated in War History
Stated differently, Russia has little regard for the "loss exchange ratio": how many forces you lose/how many forces your opponent loses.
- Curated in War History
To underline this point, consider data from the Correlates of War project.
- Curated in War History
No need for outstanding strategic planning under this model.
- Curated in War History
And if your military doctrine is based on an attrition model, then you can get away with coup-proofing the military (e.g. removing highly competent officers from positions of power). See @ProfTalmadge's book.
- Curated in War History
This could help explain Russia's history of non-coups by the military (despite opportunities). See @bdtaylor_SU's excellent book.
- Curated in War History
All of the above, should put into context the heavy losses Russian forces are incurring in the current war.
- Curated in War History
Addendum 1: In an earlier thread, @RisaBrooks12 stated well why Russia can still win despite the inefficiencies evident in its "attrition model".
