The expansion of NATO and the future of the CFE treaty

Abstract

According to the Russian standpoint, the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty should establish a material foundation for creating an effective system of trans‐European security, including Russia. Any expansion of NATO to the East would render the treaty meaningless, and no possible concessions on the flank issue would save it. If the CFE treaty is doomed, another arms control arrangement should be substituted immediately.