Conference on Russia Papers

This article traces the evolution and enduring value of the concept of strategic culture in understanding state behaviour, particularly in defence and foreign policy. Originating with Jack Snyder’s 1977 analysis of Soviet nuclear doctrine, strategic culture reframed security studies by emphasising historically-rooted beliefs, norms, and institutional patterns rather than purely rational or material calculations. Subsequent scholarship has expanded its application across states, non-state actors and supranational entities. Still, persistent challenges remain, including definitional ambiguity, generalisation, and debates over continuity and change. Despite this, strategic culture continues to shape policy issues, such as tailored deterrence and other aspects of defence planning. The article highlights Jeannie Johnson’s ‘cultural topography’ approach, which systematises cultural analysis through four “lenses”: those of identity, norms, values, and perceptions. Applying this method to Russian policymaking illustrates how deeply embedded perceptions of identity, threat, and power shape its approach to European security under Vladimir Putin’s regime. Russia’s behaviour in Ukraine reflects a strategic culture emphasising historical grievances, the centrality of force, and the personification of state decisions by the leader. The study concludes that understanding these cultural underpinnings is essential for anticipating Russia’s actions, shaping allied policy responses, and informing future strategic stability and deterrence planning.