The Russian Federation as a Risk-Taking Actor
The Russian Federation as a Risk-Taking Actor

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines the concept of risk and its importance in the decision-making process, using Russia as an illustration. Risk is presented as a complex and dichotomous category of phenomena. It can be understood as a probable threat and/or an anticipated opportunity. Referring to the theory of expected utility, I argue that the motives of decision-makers in a risk situation will lead them to rationally choose the value with the highest level of priority for the decision-maker, but not necessarily the highest in terms of actual value. Five decision-making situations confirm the hypothesis that Russia has a high propensity for risky actions: the war in Georgia in 2008, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the violation of Turkey’s airspace by a Russian bomber in 2015, Russian attack on Ukraine in 2022 and the use of doping by Russian athletes during international championships. The conclusion extends these findings to imply that Russia is a key source of risk for the international community.

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