Photo by Kobus on Picasa

An EWI seminar on Thursday, October 29, generated new discussion to build missile defense systems that can protect the U.S., Europe, Russia and the world from nuclear-armed terrorists or rogue states. Participants included and officials from Russian and NATO institutions, including Russian Committee of Scientists for Global Security and Arms Control.

A cooperative missile defense system is essential for worldwide security. But despite the common interests, discussions have more often created tensions between Russia and NATO. EWI’s seminar highlighted the role Europe can play in bridging that divide and help build a missile defense system that furthers the security goals of all parties.

Russian participants called for a renewed Russia-NATO effort to create a cooperative missile defense system based on lessons learned from previous, failed attempts. They argued that a new system should be under joint command, be quick to deploy and be mobile enough to adapt to emerging threats. Other participants added that a defense system must also be flexible enough to serve the needs of all European countries.

Moreover, Russian speakers added, joint assessments of potential ballistic missile threats must precede any work on a defense system so it addresses security concerns of all parties.

However, such a comprehensive system comes with many challenges. It will require considerable investments of time and money to design, test and deploy. Such investments are unlikely, especially as many countries struggle to emerge from the financial crisis. A more cost-effective approach is essential.

More challenging are the political obstacles. Many participants called for greater engagement from all parties, especially the U.S. and NATO. They suggested that the U.S. must more clearly identify its missile defense plans, especially in the wake of the Obama administration’s recent decision to abandon plans to deploy defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic. Without such clarity, the U.S. will continue to risk creating the perception that its missile defense plans are more offensive than defensive.

Europe can play a major role in overcoming these challenges, according to a German participant. The U.S. and Russia are the only countries with ballistic missile defense systems, but they are not the only countries that need them. Europe has enormous stakes in its relationships with the U.S. and Russia, and it needs their help to defend itself from nuclear-armed terrorists or rogues states. As such, Europe can play an invaluable role bridging the U.S.-Russia divide and building a common defense system for the U.S., Europe, Russia and the world.

This seminar was the first in a series of EWI seminars designed to catalyze new forms of cooperation between Russia and NATO. Future seminars will focus on other key security concerns such as nuclear proliferation, arms control, terrorism, extremism and climate change.