The new NATO and relations with Russia

The promise of constructive NATO-Russia relations remains in jeopardy, prejudiced by friction over the alliance's expansion, its intervention in the Balkans, and Moscow's perception that its interests are being disregarded. On a host of issues, from stability in Europe to the maintenance of effective arms control regimes and management of regional crises beyond the Continent, cooperative working arrangements with Russia are vital. To assure such cooperation NATO should make clear that it is open to Russian membership, priority should go to EU expansion, and the United States should pursue joint defenses with Russia against potential ballistic missile threats.