Smashing atoms: Post-START rationality and cold war Hangover

Success in the completion of a U.S.-Russian initial post-START, nuclear arms reduction agreement is only the first step in a broader program of mutual deterrence and reassurance. There remains the uncertainty whether significant reductions in both sides' strategic nuclear forces can be the gateway to additional cooperation on nonproliferation, disarmament and missile defenses - among other issues. Standing in the way of further cooperation in nuclear matters between Washington and Moscow are contentious issues of high politics, including NATO enlargement, Russia's possible role in any U.S.-NATO missile defense system, and U.S.-Russian differences over nuclear containment of Iran.