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Source: Getty
Russia's Nuclear Aims
Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama recently signed a treaty to cut both countries' nuclear arms stockpiles. Although this agreement changes little in the strategic environment between the two countries, it may give a boost to the “reset” initiative.
Source: PRI's The World
Unlike the United States, Russian conventional military is rather outdated; therefore Russia is extremely dependent upon its nuclear arsenals, explains Trenin. However, the Russian leadership cannot afford an adverse relationship with the United States, which it depends on for resources for economic and technological modernization.
The treaty does not significantly change the strategic environment between the countries, concludes Trenin. That environment is still based on the doctrine of mutual assured destruction. Nevertheless, this agreement provides both parties with a political advantages, including a better global image and stronger grounds for negotiating nuclear issues such as Iran.
About the Authors
Marco Werman
Former Director, Carnegie Moscow Center
Trenin was director of the Carnegie Moscow Center from 2008 to early 2022.
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.