On October 29, the Valdai Discussion Club hosted an expert discussion, titled “The Future of NATO and Russia's Interests”, together with presentation of the report “The Future of NATO: Trade-Offs and Possible Scenarios”.
Talks about crisis within the NATO alliance are going on for more than a decade. However, continuing tensions with Russia contribute to NATO solidarity. Recent statements by the US President Donald Trump about possible withdrawal from the INF Treaty, as well as the gloomy situation around the START III Treaty can not only lead to a new arms race, but also radically change the entire landscape of the European security architecture. At the same time, Trump's dual position in relation to the alliance prompts forces France and Germany to create alternative security mechanisms. At the same time, NATO continues to expand, counting on the accession of Macedonia in the near future.
The new Valdai Club report gives an analysis of the various scenarios for the NATO development of over the next decade and consequences for relations with Russia.
What actions can NATO leadership take after possible US withdrawal from the INF Treaty? Is it possible to change the balance between the US and its European allies within NATO? What are possible NATO actions to contain Russia? The participants of the expert discussion will answer these and other questions.
Speakers:
Alexander Grushko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation;
Andrei Kelin, Director of the Department of European Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation;
Igor Istomin, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Analysis of International Problems, MGIMO University (co-author of the report);
Irina Bolgova, Associate professor, Department of Applied International Political Analysis, MGIMO University (co-author of the report).
Moderator:
Andrei Sushentsov, Programme director of the Valdai Discussion Club.
Working languages: Russian, English.