Whilst its 7 years old its still todays topic. The relevant...

Whilst its 7 years old its still todays topic. The relevant point is the maturity of the key decision makers in the US which is further underlined by the fact that this is a document from key decision makers in the US.


The Atlantic Council of the United States

http://www.acus.org/publications/policypapers/internationalsecurity/ExecEurSec.html

Nuclear Weapons and European Security
October 31, 1995

Extract

"In addition to uncertainty about developments in Russia, European leaders are worried about the unpredictability of U.S. behaviour in the new strategic environment. A key unknown is the U.S. Congress with the large turnover in membership and relatively few new members who are knowledgeable about security and nuclear issues. Therefore, Congressional comments on security issues often create considerable anxiety in Europe. As a result, Europeans feel far less secure about U.S. leadership and commitment to European security than they did during the previous 50 years.

Among their concerns is that the United States may unilaterally decide to renounce the ABM (anti ballistic missile) treaty or take steps to develop a national missile defence system that would contravene the treaty. European leaders acknowledge the need for theatre missile defences and hope to participate in the development and production of a medium extended-range air defence system (MEADS). But such developments must not jeopardise the ABM treaty because the ability of Britain and France to deter Russia rests on posing a credible nuclear threat. This deterrence would be neutralised if Russia were to deploy the kinds of missile defences that are being discussed in the United States. Without exception, Europeans agreed that the ABM treaty must be preserved to prevent a costly new arms race."