NATO REVIEW 2011
Edition 3: Why NATO's partners matter
Edition 4: Small weapons, big impact
Current Edition:
NATO-Russia relations: 20 years after the USSR
In the next issue Mladic and the Balkans: a new security?
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NATO-Russia relations: 20 years after the USSR
NATO and Russia cooperate on Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, search and rescue and a host of other areas. So where's the problem? In this edition, we look from both angles at what's gone right - and not so right - in the NATO-Russia relationship . And how this may soon have to change.
NATO and Russia today: interview with Dmitri Trenin
Dmitri Trenin, Director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, looks at where the NATO-Russia relations are today
Taking the temperature: what the Russian experts think
How do Russian experts see NATO's evolving relationship with Russia in areas such as missile defence, Afghanistan and other security issues? Here, we present the results of a survey of Russian experts by the independent Atlantic Initiative.
NATO and Russia: doomed to disappointment?
James Sherr of Chatham House contends that different understanding on either side of the NATO-Russia relationship keep leading to unwanted outcomes. And until this bridge is broached, cooperation will not lead to harmony, he argues.
Dealing with the symbolic irritant in NATO-Russia diplomacy
That NATO and Russia are partners is not in dispute, argues Vincent Pouliot. The problems start though when it comes to defining who is the senior partner. And on this, a largely polite, but ongoing, disagreement seems to characterise the relationship.
How NATO is perceived in Russia (or lessons in optimism)
Robert Pszczel is NATO's face in Russia. As the head of NATO's Information Office in Moscow, he now both talks about - and listens to opinions on - NATO's evolving partnership with Russia. Here he explains some of the feedback - and why it's positive to be an optimist.
Time to abandon illusions
Today is the moment for Russia and NATO to end seeing each other through the Cold War prism, argues Fyodor Lukyanov. Twenty first century challenges requires both sides to challenge their 20th century hangovers.
One step forward...
The relationship between Russia and NATO seems destined to be one of peaks and troughs, argues Konstatin Eggert. But it is Russia's other regional relations which may soon top its security agenda.
NATO and Russia: resuscitating the partnership
There have been major improvements in the practical cooperation between NATO and Russia, argues Andrew Monaghan. But deeper, real meetings of minds about each other's roles remain elusive.

Bridge building for 20 years

As we remember the fall of the Soviet Union 20 years ago, it seems fitting to recall the words of Winston Churchill.

Some may find it appropriate to reach for his defining speech in Fulton Missouri 65 years ago when he added the phrase 'Iron Curtain' to the common lexicon.

But, from the articles we have in this edition, I was more reminded about his bons mots on education. 'Many of us wish to learn,' he said, 'but few of us wish to be taught.'

As we remember the fall of the Soviet Union 20 years ago, it seems fitting to recall the words of Winston Churchill.

Some may find it appropriate to reach for his defining speech in Fulton Missouri 65 years ago when he added the phrase 'Iron Curtain' to the common lexicon.

But, from the articles we have in this edition, I was more reminded about his bons mots on education. 'Many of us wish to learn,' he said, 'but few of us wish to be taught.'

Perhaps it is this dynamic that lies at the core of the relationship between NATO and Russia. Both have a lot to offer. And both sides know it.

The two sides have made major progress in practical cooperation. But nonetheless, the relationship still doesn't seem to have settled who leads and where. Nor even if there is a need for a single leader.

In a way, looking at Russia and NATO like similar partners is like comparing apples and pears.

  • Russia's history stretches back centuries. NATO is just 62 years old.

  • Russia is a sovereign nation state. NATO is an alliance.

  • And Russia has defended itself successfully from attacks ranging from Napoleon's armies to Hitler's Panzers. No NATO country has ever been invaded after joining
    • .

But Russia was the centre of a key old empire, the Soviet Union. And NATO was the West's counterbalance.

Since the end of the Soviet Union, both sides have clearly stated that neither is the other's enemy. Both sides have increased cooperation. But, the question remains, even 65 years after Churchill's speech in the US - does the shadow of their previous relationship still hang over today's?

Paul King