Whither the Medvedev Initiative on European Security?

The past 20 years have been marked by several US and NATO attempts to reach out to the Russian Federation to develop a cooperative security framework aimed at facing common threats and challenges through joint actions. European security, however, remains marred by significant challenges. A broad dialogue on “hard security” issues that addresses Russian perceptions and concerns is required with a genuine attempt to reconcile differences. This paper offers the basis for developing such a dialogue making best use of the 2009 Russian proposal in the event that the United States and Allies can address the Russian desire to have a more expansive role and garner respect at the European table.

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