Nuclear Strategy and Narratives: Dissecting the Dangers of Kremlin Discourse on Nuclear Weapons

Abstract

In this article, the narratives and actions the Kremlin has taken regarding nuclear weapons over the course of 2024 are highlighted and discussed in some detail. The aim in doing this is to highlight that they are attempting to use this to gain strategic and tactical advantages relative to their international adversaries, but there are also broader implications. To understand these implications, a theoretical framework which highlights how political articulations in international politics can establish hegemonic positions in a discourse, as well as structure all other thinking and discussion of an issue, is utilised. Through this, we can see that the position the Kremlin is pushing has the potential to restructure the foundation of international politics.