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

Okudzhava Bilingual

Okudzhava Bilingual

Poems, songs and autobiographical sketches by Bulat Okudzhava, the king of the Russian bards. 
93 Untranslatable Russian Words

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.
The Latchkey Murders

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...
Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.
The Moscow Eccentric

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.
Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

This astonishingly gripping autobiography by the founder of the Russian Women’s Death Battallion in World War I is an eye-opening documentary of life before, during and after the Bolshevik Revolution.
The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.
Fish: A History of One Migration

Fish: A History of One Migration

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.
The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.  
Tolstoy Bilingual

Tolstoy Bilingual

This compact, yet surprisingly broad look at the life and work of Tolstoy spans from one of his earliest stories to one of his last, looking at works that made him famous and others that made him notorious. 
Life Stories: Original Fiction By Russian Authors

Life Stories: Original Fiction By Russian Authors

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

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