The future of NATO-Russia relations has emerged as one of the most important issues facing all the countries involved. The issue became acute after President Clinton announced, in October 1996, that the United States would support a specific schedule for the enlargement of NATO. In December 1996, NATO made a two-track decision: first, to extend invitations to join NATO to countries to be selected in July 1997 from Central-Eastern Europe; second, to negotiate a charter between NATO and Russia to regulate their relations and provide structures for closer cooperation.
Russia has strongly opposed the enlargement of NATO, but it has negotiated with NATO concerning a charter. Within Russia, there has been concern that the charter might be inadequate. Some, such as Security Council Director Rybkin and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin, have proposed instead that Russia should join NATO as a "political member."
Within Central Europe, there has been concern that NATO might make too many concessions to Russia in order to get its signature on the charter. Within the NATO countries, both concerns have been present -- that the charter might give Russia too much at NATO's expense, and/or not be enough to bring Russia and NATO into a cooperative relationship.
In February 1997, the Program on Transitions to Democracy brought together statesmen, experts and national representatives for a full discussion of the issue and the alternatives. The symposium -- which coincided with the arrival of the Russian Prime Minister in Washington, D.C. for meetings with the U.S. leadership -- evoked great interest, with an overflow audience, newspaper and television coverage, and a debate which diplomats might call "spirited" or "frank."
I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Ira Straus for his initiative in proposing this symposium, and to all the participants for their illuminating contributions to the discussion of a major international issue.
Professor Constantine C. Menges
Director, Program on Transitions to Democracy
April 7, 1997