Russia’s Hybrid Nuclear Compellence: Intentions and Consequences

Intimidation, or the strategic use of fear to secure desired outcomes, is prominently featured in Russia’s war against Ukraine in numerous ways: horrific acts of violence against civilians, widespread missile and drone strikes, the deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure, and nuclear threats. These tactics are designed to force Ukraine into submission while also discouraging external parties from providing support. Two aspects of this tactics leverage nuclear fears: threats involving the use of nuclear weapons and the manipulation of radiological emergency risks, both of which exploit public fear of radiation.