Thread by @meier_oliver

1/ @NATO SecGen @jensstoltenberg describes content of letter to Russia with "proposals, ideas, topics" where allies agree "it is possible to make progress" including on "risk reduction, transparency, and #armscontrol". Short attempt to unpack: is.gd/Nmj0if

2/ NATO usefully suggests "mutual briefings on exercises and nuclear policies in the NATO-Russia Council". Lots of experience to build on, see for example 2014 @SWPBerlin papers by @KatarzynaKubiak (tinyurl.com/y8zdn8gg) and Max Mutschler here tinyurl.com/yce7yrw9 (.pdf)

3/ @Stoltenberg repeats proposal to modernise #ViennaDocument on "military transparency". For novel ideas see @deepcutsproject paper by @OlyaOliker @steven_pifer and W. Zellner "A Fresh Approach to Conventional Arms Control in Europe" is.gd/YAfsbQ

4/ Maybe not such a good idea: @NATO suggestion to bring "compliance with international commitments on chemical and biological weapons" into the mix. Very, very important but - dare I say? - toxic issue, as @DrAlexKelle and I have described thebulletin.org/?p=91556

5/ Core of discussion in NRC should be "meaningful dialogue" on ground-based intermediate and shorter range missiles. Read great @deepcutsproject paper by @russianforces with possible steps on "Nuclear Weapons in Europe after the INF Treaty" here is.gd/M2y9sM

6/ Division of labour between NATO-Russia Council and US-Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue will be crucial. @YoungDeepCuts team proposes integrated approach to revitalizing US-Russia #armscontrol here

https://twitter.com/YoungDeepCuts/status/1483078911995088896?s=20

(and read other papers too is.gd/iYzBpl)

7/ @jensstoltenberg argues that @NATO wants to talk with Russia about "practical measures that will make a real difference". Joint @deepcutsproject statement outlines "How the US-Russian Strategic Stability Dialogue Can and Must Make Progress" here: tinyurl.com/ybwu5c2a

8/8 So: @NATO letter appears to describe useful starting points for talks on arms control, risk reduction, transparency. Breaking agenda down in digestable portions, placing them in appropriate setting and avoiding counterproductive linkages will be key to success.