Russian sovereigns and their role in strengthening the Russian army discipline (XVIII - early XX centuries)

The article represents the first results of a generic, holistic investigation devoted to the attempts of Russian sovereigns to strengthen military discipline, and their participation in the development and implementation of disciplinary theory and practice in the Russian army (XVIII - early XX centuries). The author was guided by the principle of objectivity and historicism while describing the historical events, provided a deep analysis and critical re-evaluation of both positive and negative experience of military discipline strengthening, self-discipline and order in the Russian army. The author tries to give a complete and objective review of the Russia sovereigns' views on the forms and methods of strengthening the military discipline thereat. The paper helps to understand the military disciplinary policy of the Russian state in the XVIII - early XX centuris better; it also shows its drawbacks and shortcomings.