February 18, 2001

ABM, NMD - Alphabet Soup of Defense


ABM, NMD - Alphabet Soup of Defense

In brief, the U.S. has stated it will go ahead with its NMD system and will not back down or compromise on its plans. Russia is equally firm in its stand against the NMD and will not accept any violation or amendment to the ABM treaty. Various NATO and UN nations (namely China) are either luke warm or in outright opposition to the NMD. Many worry that the NMD, and Russia's promised reaction to it, upset the delicate world, and especially European, strategic balance leading to a new arms race and renewed Cold War situation.

Russian - American relations have been delicate during the years following the fall of the Soviet and the formation of the Russian Federation. Old fears and distrust die hard. Both Russia and the U.S. have made great strides in reaching out to each other along cultural lines. When it comes to national security and politics, the waters are still choppy. Historically, Russia has considered threats from the West to be a reality and has taken various measures to protect itself from these perceived threats. Total trust in any good intentions from the West will not happen overnight. On the other hand, most Americans see Communism as totally evil and question if a nation, which has never practiced democracy before now, can be trusted. Afterall, their current president is a former KGB spy.

Much of the west no longer sees Russia as a military power. In fact, Russia is often identified as problem and standing in the way of global stability. Furthermore, the contributions that the Russian people have made and can make, given improved economic conditions, to the world in the areas of science, medicine, technology, the arts, etc., are often forgotten when Russia is dealt with in the political arena.

The issue of defense systems between the U.S. and Russia comes down to trust. Neither nation has a solid historical foundation of trust where the other is concerned. So, how do the two nations and their people come to a point where they do not feel threatened by each other and, thus, compelled to be on the defensive in their dealings? Short of a grand leap of faith, it would seem that only time, dialogue and shared experiences will build a solid bridge. But, how long will this take and at what cost?

 "So where does our Russian - American relationship go from here? If it were left up to the peoples of both nations, all would be fine but governments are always behind their people in thinking and this situation is not any different. . . it is not only Russia that is quivering but our own internal, along with our collective moral compass, needs some grave repair."
(from a reader)

Meanwhile, China has agreed to purchase an unspecified number of A-50 radar jets from Russia. Originally, China was going to buy Falcon radar planes from Israel, but the latter withdrew from deal due to pressure from the U.S. The U.S. strongly opposes the Russia-China sale; Russia is not likely to back out of the sale, however.

Both nations will survive, of this there is little if any doubt. The U.S. is the stronger world power and the soul of the Russian people will guarantee Russia's survival and growth. In the process, will the walls that began to crumble back in 1989 be partially or totally rebuilt?

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

Moscow and Muscovites
November 26, 2013

Moscow and Muscovites

Vladimir Gilyarovsky's classic portrait of the Russian capital is one of Russians’ most beloved books. Yet it has never before been translated into English. Until now! It is a spectactular verbal pastiche: conversation, from gutter gibberish to the drawing room; oratory, from illiterates to aristocrats; prose, from boilerplate to Tolstoy; poetry, from earthy humor to Pushkin. 

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955