Engaging Russia as Partner and Participant

Relations between the Russian Federation and the West have evolved steadily since the end of the Cold War, especially since the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) was established in May 2002. In late 2001, the RAND Corporation and the Institute for the USA and Canada Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISKRAN) created a North American-European-Russian working group to examine the growing cooperation between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Russia and to suggest ways to foster it. The Working Group on NATO-Russia relations does not suggest that Russia seek or be offered NATO membership. Rather, the group suggests that Russia become more deeply involved, as an equal partner, in NATO deliberations, including in regard to the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. It also suggests fostering practical cooperation at all levels, including militarily, in areas of mutual concern. The goal is that NATO and Russia should share responsibilities and reinforce efforts to build security and free societies across Eurasia.