Russia's Navy From Peter to Stalin: Themes, Trends, and Debates

This research memorandum is one of a series of publications supporting a CNA project that is examining separate areas of Russian national interests and existing or potential constraints that will dictate the form and structure of any future Russian navy. It reviews the history and debates surrounding the Russian and Soviet navies from the era of Peter the Great to the death of Joseph Stalin and puts forward findings that may help the reader understand the forces that will shape Russian naval policies and programs in the decade ahead. The overall Future Russian Navy project is sponsored by the Director of Naval Intelligence.