The Hultian Spring 2017 | Page 46

policy, with regards to Russia, has largely failed to yield tangible results. After all, statements as such often carry deep political consequences in the U.S. For that reason, the U.S. will probably limit itself to offering a measured response to what it perceives to be Russian transgressions, yet the cause of the problem will remain unaddressed, and thus a never-ending spring of future conflict. However, one thing is for sure - this extended episode of the Cold War that we are witnessing today is already featuring some new tactics and strategies. For example, some argue that one of Russia’s objectives in sticking their hands in the Syrian Civil War was to put pressure on Europe with the staggering number of refugees that are fleeing this war-torn region and seeking sanctuary in the west since Turkey shares a border with Syria, which has long been used as a route for immigrants to reach prosperous Europe. Furthermore, electronic warfare is also quickly positioning itself as a key component of any professional army, and the deployment of such techniques in warfare are yet to be seen on a large scale. In any case, these new tactics that are being employed to gain concessions come hand-in-hand with a publicity war the world is not unfamiliar with. After all, Russia does not really need to match the United States’ endless war chest in order to regain its superpower status; it just needs the world to think that they are a match. In other words, as long as the Russian military remains on top of the minds of the West, then Putin can claim it as a victory. Cold War 2.0