The Reluctant Ally
The Reluctant Ally

Summary/Abstract: If the Obama administration is to effectively reassure Europe’s new democracies and resist Russia’s imperial impulses, then it must enhance the security of vulnerable countries. There are several concrete steps that it could take, such as formulating detailed NATO defence plans for all Alliance members bordering Russia, accelerating assistance in military modernization, and buttressing the territorial defence capabilities and military deterrents of the new allies. Without such measures, the Obama administration will be perceived as weak and wavering and Moscow may be tempted to further test its pliability by manufacturing conflicts with pro-American neighbours or more intensely interfering in their domestic politics.

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