The Negotiators What it Took to Negotiate a Nuclear Arms Treaty With Russia
Oct 18, 2022
Rose Gottemoeller, former U.S. chief negotiator for the New START Treaty, shares her insights on the intense negotiation process behind the 2010 nuclear arms treaty with Russia. She discusses the pivotal moments and challenges, from defining clear objectives set by Presidents Obama and Medvedev to navigating diplomatic tensions and gender expectations. She highlights creative tactics used, like crafting nonbinding side letters, and recounts the critical moments leading to Senate ratification, ultimately emphasizing the enduring importance of arms control in today’s geopolitical landscape.
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Scope Creep From Underlying Fears
- Russia repeatedly tried to pull missile defenses into talks despite the presidents' agreement to exclude them.
- Treaty's scope can become a recurring pressure point if underlying security concerns remain unresolved.
Last-Minute Reversal From Moscow
- A Moscow National Security Council meeting removed agreed items at the last minute, which Rose traced back to Vladimir Putin.
- That forced a regrouping in Washington and exposed internal Russian decision dynamics.
Use Nonbinding Letters To Bridge Gaps
- Avoid legally binding language on politically sensitive topics by using separate, nonbinding letters or statements.
- Use parallel letters to acknowledge concerns without embedding limits that would jeopardize domestic approval.
