Missile Defense: Problems and Opportunities in NATO-Russia Relations

Author(s): Michael Paul
Publisher(s): Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
Date of publication: Jul 2012
Volume number: 2012
Issue number: 19
Pages: 8
Series: SWP Comments

Description: This report looks at the dispute between NATO and Russia concerning US plans regarding missile interceptors in Europe. It states that although fears of a Russian-US strategic arms race are unwarranted, concerns about Russian misperception and mistrust are not. Therefore, it is in the interest of the United States and its allies to convince Moscow that the missile defense system is not part of a larger American effort to gain strategic nuclear domination by depriving Russia of its ability to deter a nuclear attack. The best approach to overcome misperceptions would be to start cooperation by sharing information and combining capabilities.

General note: © 2012 Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)

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