DECREE NO. 10 OF 2024: THE RATIONALE BEHIND RUSSIA’S SIMPLIFIED CITIZENSHIP PROCEDURES FOR MILITARY SERVICE CONTRACTS IN 2024

Abstract

This thesis discusses Russia's policy on citizenship acquisition in 2024. The research aims to explain the reasons behind the issuance of Decree No. 10 of 2024, which simplifies the citizenship process for foreign nationals who sign military service contracts. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022-2023 resulted in losses, condemnation, and sanctions from Western countries, leading to political and economic challenges for Russia. Despite the conflict and tensions, regional security remains a vital interest for Russia. In analyzing the reasons behind the decision to issue Decree No. 10 of 2024, the author uses John Mearsheimer's Realism perspective and Leonard Wong and Stephen J. Gerras' Culture and Military Organizations theory. The method used in this research is a qualitative literature study, utilizing secondary data sources from documents and audiovisual materials published in intermediary media. This research finds that the reasons for the issuance of Decree No. 10 of 2024 by Russia include the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has now become attrition warfare, the weaknesses of Russia's geographical strategy along its borders, and the National Mobilization Plan of 2022 proposed by Putin, which did not meet expectations. Therefore, the decision to issue Decree No. 10 of 2024 is seen as a potential solution for Russia to ensure the security of its borders.