Arms Control and European Security: Major Essays on the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Afghanistan

While much attention is always given to issues of strategic and nuclear arms control, the conventional arms control agenda remains something of a stepchild. Nonetheless, in regards to European security, conventional arms control issues are of the utmost significance. Indeed, since Russia suspended its observance of the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty in 2007, there has already been one war in Europe, the Russo-Georgian war of 2008, and many subsequent rumors of war. Indeed, one could arguably claim that since that Russian suspension, progress on ensuring European security has stagnated, if not worse.

Bearing in mind the importance of these issues to European security in general and Russian ties with Europe and the United States in particular, as well as the connection between the conventional and nuclear arms control agendas, the Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) presents this monograph wherein three distinguished U.S., European, and Russian experts outline the parameters of these thorny interrelated issues. These papers represent the views presented at the SSI-Carnegie Council conference at Pocantico, NY, from June 1-3, 2011, and were subsequently revised for publication by the editors. Taken together, these articles fully clarify the multiple and complicated dimensions and connections linking these issues of conventional arms control and force reductions in Europe to the wider strategic and nuclear issues in which the parties are also involved. In this respect, they embody a major part of our activity in fostering international analysis and dialogue on topical security issues for the benefit and enlightenment of policymakers and experts.

Contents: The Precarious and Far-Reaching Current Undecidability of the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty * European/Eurasian Security and the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe * European Security and Arms Control