The Negotiators What it Took to Negotiate a Nuclear Arms Treaty With Russia
Oct 18, 2022
Rose Gottemoeller, former U.S. chief negotiator for the New START Treaty, shares her insights on the intense negotiation process behind the 2010 nuclear arms treaty with Russia. She discusses the pivotal moments and challenges, from defining clear objectives set by Presidents Obama and Medvedev to navigating diplomatic tensions and gender expectations. She highlights creative tactics used, like crafting nonbinding side letters, and recounts the critical moments leading to Senate ratification, ultimately emphasizing the enduring importance of arms control in today’s geopolitical landscape.
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A Call That Changed Her Career
- Rose Gottemoeller recounted getting the call from Hillary Clinton's office offering the arms-control job while wrapping up in Moscow.
- She described the nerve-wracking interview and immediate acceptance to lead New START negotiations.
Leadership Sets Negotiating Boundaries
- The presidents gave three clear marching orders that shaped negotiators' flexibility and limits.
- Clear instructions from leader-level meetings focused scope and enabled faster negotiations.
Earning Respect Through Calm
- Gottemoeller described building a wary mutual respect with Russian counterpart Anatoly Antonov from prior Moscow interactions.
- She used calm composure to defuse early gamesmanship, like when Antonov arrived 50 minutes late to lunch.
