Rapid Fire June 8, 2012: Can Russia Reform and Modernize Itself?

From the the U.S. Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute (SSI): can Russia reform its economy and security apparatus? Recurring instability in Russia and elsewhere on Europe’s fringes is one reason why the Heritage Foundation is against removing American Brigade Combat Teams from the continent. Uncertainty about Russia is also on the menu of the latest Nuclear Notes [PDF] from CSIS. On top of its internal dynamics, an additional question: can Russia really partner with China?

Meanwhile an analyst from CNA wonders whether a lightweight but versatile structure such as Africom is a sign what’s to come for the Pentagon.

The Bipartisan Policy Center is trying to spell out how the FY 2013 sequester would play out, as it is increasingly becoming likely to happen. And if it does happen, opinions are divided on whether sequestration would apply to war funds.