Website: mdb.cast.ru
*Moscow Defense Brief* is a Russian English-language magazine focusing on the defense sector. It was founded in 2004 by the independent defense think tank, the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST). Its mission is to present Russia's perspectives on security and defense affairs to countries outside Russia, providing comprehensive and reliable information on Russian policies and activities in this field.
As a professional defense publication, *Moscow Defense Digest* enjoys a high reputation in the international defense field for its in-depth analysis and unique insights. The magazine covers various aspects of Russian military strategy, defense policy, weaponry, military technology, and the international security situation, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of Russian defense affairs.
Background and Objectives of the Founding
The founding of CAST dates back to the early 21st century, a time when Russia was gradually recovering from the economic and social turmoil following the collapse of the Soviet Union and re-establishing its great power status on the international stage. To convey Russia's position on security and defense affairs to the international community, CAST decided to launch an English-language magazine aimed at breaking down language and cultural barriers and introducing Russian defense policy and military developments to a global readership.
The magazine aims to enhance the international community's understanding of Russian defense affairs and promote dialogue and cooperation between Russia and other countries in the fields of security and defense through objective and professional analysis. Since its inception, *Moscow Defense Digest* has become an important window for the international community to understand Russian defense policy, and its content is frequently cited by prominent media outlets such as RIA Novosti, *The Wall Street Journal*, and the BBC.
Content Features and Column Setup
The *Moscow Defense Digest* is renowned for its depth and breadth, covering multiple aspects of Russian defense. Below are the magazine's main sections and their characteristics:
- Military Strategy and Policy : This section provides in-depth analysis of Russia's military strategy and defense policy, exploring Russia's role and stance in international security affairs. Articles typically combine historical context with current events to offer readers a comprehensive perspective.
- Weapons and Technology : This section focuses on the development of Russian weapons and military technology, including the development of new weapons, the upgrading of existing weapons, and innovations in military technology. Articles typically include detailed technical parameters and application scenario analyses.
- International Security Situation : This section focuses on the global security situation, particularly international security issues related to Russia. Articles analyze international conflicts, regional security postures, and Russia's participation and influence in international security affairs.
- Military Exercises and Operations : This section reports on Russian military exercises and operations, analyzing their strategic intentions and tactical characteristics. Articles typically combine on-site observations with expert commentary, providing readers with in-depth analysis.
- Expert Opinions and Commentary : This column invites domestic and international defense experts to contribute commentary articles, sharing their views and insights on Russian defense affairs. The articles typically possess high academic value and intellectual depth.
Influence and Citation
Since its inception, the *Moscow Defense Digest* has garnered widespread influence in the international defense field due to its professionalism and authority. Its articles are frequently cited by mainstream media worldwide, becoming an important source of information for the international community to understand Russian defense affairs. For example, media outlets such as RIA Novosti, the *Wall Street Journal*, and the BBC have all cited articles from the *Moscow Defense Digest* as important references in their reporting on Russian defense matters.
Furthermore, the magazine has attracted the attention of governments, military agencies, and research institutions worldwide. Defense departments and think tanks in many countries use the *Moscow Defense Digest* as an important reference for understanding Russian defense policy and incorporate its content into their research and analysis frameworks.
Editorial team and writers
The editorial team of *Moscow Defense Digest* comprises a group of experienced defense experts and scholars with extensive academic backgrounds and practical experience in the Russian and international defense fields. The editorial team is responsible for the magazine's topic selection, article review, and editing and publication, ensuring the high quality and professionalism of the content.
The magazine's contributors include defense experts, military scholars, retired military officers, and government officials from both Russia and abroad. Through in-depth research and analysis, they provide high-quality articles that help readers better understand Russian defense affairs.
Publication format and distribution channels
The *Moscow Defense Digest* is published in both electronic and print formats. Readers can read or download the electronic version online through the magazine's official website (mdb.cast.ru). In addition, the magazine is distributed internationally to readers worldwide, covering regions including Europe, North America, and Asia.
To make it easier for readers to access the latest content, the magazine also offers an e-subscription service, allowing subscribers to receive the latest issue regularly via email. In addition, the magazine's official website provides an archive of past articles, allowing readers to access historical content at any time.
Future Development and Outlook
As the international security landscape continues to evolve, Russia's role and influence in the defense sector are gradually increasing. As an English-language magazine focusing on Russian defense affairs, *Moscow Defense Digest* will continue to serve as a bridge, conveying Russia's views and positions on security and defense to the international community.
Looking ahead, the magazine plans to further expand its content coverage, increasing its focus on emerging defense technologies and international security issues. At the same time, it will strengthen cooperation with domestic and international defense experts and research institutions to enhance the depth and breadth of its content, providing readers with more comprehensive and professional defense analysis.
In conclusion, as a professional defense magazine, the Moscow Defense Digest will continue to provide an important window for the international community to understand Russian defense affairs and promote dialogue and cooperation between Russia and other countries in the fields of security and defense.
