This book is devoted to one of the central issues in U.S.-Russian and NATO-Russian relations--ballistic missile defense. Drawing on more than 2,000 primary sources, interviews with Russian and NATO officials, and a variety of Russian and Western publications, this book offers an unparalleled, in-depth analysis of the reasons behind Russia's policy towards the construction of a U.S ballistic missile defense in Europe. It provides a critical assessment of the decision-making mechanisms that shape Russia's position on ballistic missile defense, as well as Russia's strategic relations with the...