About Article

This article examines Russia’s relationship with the United States/NATO in the US-led Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The nature of Russia’s terrorist challenge and the official reaction are set forth. Russia’s National Security Concept, released in 2000, provides clear indication of the priority placed on the terrorist threat and the necessity for international coopera tion in addressing the problem. US and Russian approaches to counter ter rorism are assessed suggesting areas of compatibility as well as ongoing differences. The significance of recent advances in the NATO-Russia Coun cil (NRC) in counter terrorism will be explained. The article defines the variables likely to influence whether Russia progresses in the 21st century as an integrated member of the Euro-Atlantic community and security partner with the United States and NATO or, alternatively, as a competi tor or spoiler for the United States and its allies in advancing the GWOT security agenda. Policy recommendations point to the urgency for continu ing to strengthen Russia-US/NATO cooperation in counter terrorism.