When it comes to military strategy, few texts have stood the test of time like The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Written over 2,500 years ago, this classic Chinese treatise on warfare is still studied by military leaders, strategists, and politicians worldwide. Surprisingly, one of its most dedicated admirers is Russia. From Soviet generals in World War II to President Vladimir Putin today, Russian military leaders have consistently drawn lessons from Sun Tzu’s wisdom. And if we look at Russia’s military actions in recent years—especially its 2015 intervention in Syria—we can see that the more closely they follow Sun Tzu’s principles, the greater their chances of success.

A Cautious Approach to War

One of Sun Tzu’s most fundamental ideas is 慎战 (慎 shèn, “caution”; 战 zhàn, “war”)—the philosophy of cautious engagement. He warns that war should never be entered into lightly. However, once a state does commit to war, it must do so with full force to ensure victory. This idea was on full display in Russia’s handling of the Syrian Civil War.

When the Syrian conflict erupted in 2011, Russia could have immediately sent troops to support its ally, President Bashar al-Assad. However, following Sun Tzu’s principle of 非利不动，非得不用，非危不战 (roughly translated as “do not act unless it is advantageous, do not use force unless it is necessary, do not go to war unless the situation is dire”), Moscow refrained from intervening. At that time, the war did not pose a direct threat to Russian interests, and a premature intervention could have escalated tensions with the West.

By 2015, however, the situation had changed drastically. ISIS had captured vast territories, Assad’s forces controlled less than 20% of the country, and Russia faced growing security threats from extremist fighters with ties to the Caucasus region. It was at this moment—when not acting could have led to disastrous consequences—that Russia decided to intervene. By waiting for the right moment, Moscow ensured that its military campaign would be both justified and effective.

Calculated Action, Not Emotional Reaction

Sun Tzu warns against letting emotions dictate military decisions. In The Art of War, he states: “A ruler must not start a war out of anger, nor should a general fight out of resentment. Act only when it is beneficial; stop when it is not.”

This mindset was evident in Russia’s response to a major provocation in November 2015. A Turkish fighter jet shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber, claiming it had violated Turkish airspace. Many expected Russia to retaliate militarily. Instead, Moscow chose economic and diplomatic measures, imposing sanctions on Turkey and strengthening ties with its regional allies. This restraint prevented an escalation into a broader conflict while still allowing Russia to assert its dominance in the region.

War Without Fighting: The Ultimate Victory

Perhaps the most famous concept in The Art of War is 不战而屈人之兵—“the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” While Russia did engage in combat operations in Syria, it also relied heavily on diplomatic, economic, and psychological warfare to achieve its goals.

Moscow carefully coordinated with regional powers, forming intelligence-sharing agreements with Iran, Iraq, and Syria. It maintained communication lines with the U.S., Turkey, and Israel to avoid unintended confrontations. At the same time, Russia launched a massive media campaign to shape international perceptions, portraying itself as the only force capable of stabilizing Syria. By combining military force with strategic diplomacy, Russia ensured that its intervention would be seen as legitimate and necessary.

Victory Lies in Preparation

Sun Tzu also stresses the importance of preparation, stating: “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek victory.” Before launching its Syria campaign, Russia spent months gathering intelligence and laying the groundwork for its military operations.

Moscow used electronic surveillance, deployed reconnaissance teams, and even signed agreements allowing its forces to operate from Syrian bases. When the airstrikes finally began, Russia was not blindly reacting to events—it had already set the stage for success.

Conclusion: A Playbook for Modern Warfare

Russia’s 2015 intervention in Syria is a textbook case of Sun Tzu’s philosophy in action. By exercising caution before engaging, choosing the right moment to strike, avoiding unnecessary escalations, using diplomacy alongside military force, and meticulously preparing for battle, Moscow was able to turn the tide of the war in Assad’s favor.

Of course, not every Russian military campaign has been as strategically sound. But one thing is clear: when Moscow follows Sun Tzu’s wisdom, it dramatically increases its chances of success. As conflicts continue to evolve in the modern world, it seems that the ancient Chinese general still has a few lessons left to teach.