The Future of NATO-Russian Relations; or How to Dance with a Bear and Not Get Mauled (Walker Paper, Number 6)
Abstract
Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, NATO has enlarged its membership twice with countries formerly under Soviet influence and control and as of this writing is preparing to begin the process for a third expansion. Russia has watched the borders of NATO creep ever closer to its own but has generally been powerless to prevent it. Although NATO has taken pains to include and consult with Russia regarding its actions and future plans, former air attache to the US Embassy in Moscow Gordon Hendrickson contends the Kremlin cannot reasonably be expected to continue to watch NATO's eastward expansion without eventually pushing back hard. Without question many significant issues and challenges must still be solved before enlarging the alliance once again. In light of this the author says NATO must work rigorously to continue to keep Russia engaged in a productive and mutually beneficial relationship as both sides work through the future obstacles that inevitably will arise in the NATO-Russian relationship. Although the relationship is continuing to evolve, Hendrickson's research led him to the conclusion that, in order to keep Russia reassured and working productively with NATO, there are a number of concrete actions the alliance can and must take to avoid squandering the historic opportunity before it.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA459098
Entities
People
- Gordon B. Hendrickson
Organizations
- Air University