The Post-START Treaty

Goals and Implications

Author(s): Marcin Kaczmarski
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 66
Pages: 5-7
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2009

With the new administration of Barack Obama coming to power, Russia managed to re-engage the U.S. in arms control negotiations. The post-START treaty is expected to bring Moscow status as a global great power, strategic stability and parity with the U.S., as well as security and economic gains. Despite existing differences between the two sides, the new treaty offers a win-win situation, which makes agreement probable. Nevertheless, the post-START treaty is unlikely to cause spill-over effects that change the overall dynamics of Russian-American relations. Similarly, it cannot be taken for granted that the treaty paves the way for further disarmament. Rather, it may stand out as the main - and only - achievement of the reset policy.

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