Russia and the Prospects for Building a Multilateral Security System in the Asia-Pacific

Abstract

This paper discusses Russia's current and potential role in creating a multilateral security system in the Asia‐Pacific. The article falls into four main parts: first, an analysis of Russian nuclear strategy in the region in the post-Cold-War period; second, a study of Russian conventional arms control and confidence-building initiatives; third, an examination of prospects for establishing a regional arms export control regime; finally, a characterisation of the institutional framework of the regional security dialogue and Russia's policies in the regional security forums. The paper concludes that Russia has both the intention and the capability to contribute to the building of a new, cooperative security architecture in the Asia‐Pacific.