Author Description

This report, which was prepared for publication shortly before the February 24 start of hostilities in Ukraine, addresses some of the causes and implications of the conflict rooted in fundamental differences in security and threat perceptions of the U.S. and Russia, as well as in the lack of communication and mutual understanding between the two countries. It casts light on how Russian and American military see the major issues in U.S.-Russia bilateral relations, mostly in strategic stability and conflict risk reduction areas. The report also provides an analysis by Russian and American experts, which retrospectively helps understand the underlying problems which led to the current conflict, especially the clash of interests around the issues of NATO expansion and military buildup in Europe.The authors also outline the dangers of a possible nuclear escalation, at the same time offering longer-term ideas on how to bridge the widening divide between the U.S. and Russia in order to avoid the worst case scenario. Sadly, most of the activities cited in the report that were intended to reduce tensions between the parties have been suspended since hostilities began.