Part 2: Challenges to Russian Military Reform

During the time of the Soviet Union, the Soviet armed forces were privileged institutions. As the primary beneficiary of the entire Soviet economic and political system, the military became a key foundation of Soviet power around the world. Not surprisingly, much of today's Russian military remains a legacy of the Soviet armed forces, although it is a shadow of its former self. Although the Kremlin intends to implement broad military reform, profound challenges remain, such as a top-heavy officer corps as well as difficult cultural, demographic and financial conditions. Editor's Note: This is part two of a four-part series on the reformation of the Russian military.