New Books in European Politics Stephan Kieninger, "Securing Peace in Europe: Strobe Talbott, NATO, and Russia After the Cold War" (Columbia UP, 2025)
Aug 24, 2025
Stephan Kieninger, a Fellow at the American German Institute and author of "Securing Peace in Europe," discusses NATO's relationship with Russia post-Cold War. He delves into Strobe Talbott's role as a diplomatic broker under Clinton, shedding light on NATO's expansion efforts and engagements in Bosnia and Kosovo. Kieninger argues against Putin's narrative of Western exploitation, showcasing how the Clinton administration aimed to include Russia in new security frameworks. His insights provide a fresh perspective on the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations.
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Post‑Soviet Europe Remained Fragile
- The end of the Soviet Union created chaos and new security risks across Europe, not peace.
- The Clinton team aimed to engage Russia, enlarge NATO, and use NATO for peacekeeping simultaneously.
Talbott’s Unplanned Rise To Power
- Strobe Talbott entered the Clinton administration by personal connection and adapted from journalism to policymaking.
- Talbott used language skills, networks, and direct access to Clinton to shape Russia policy.
Gradualism As Core Strategy
- Clinton and Talbott pursued NATO opening and Russian integration gradually to avoid new dividing lines.
- They used Partnership for Peace and cooperation in Bosnia as stepping stones before formal enlargement.
