Over a year after the ratification of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and the Russian Federation, the ‘reset’ between the two countries seems to be in trouble and the next steps on arms control are far from clear.

This briefing paper takes stock of the U.S.-Russia relationship through the lens of New START and its implementation. It examines the Treaty obligations and verification procedures, placing an emphasis on what has already been achieved in the last 17 months since the Treaty entered into force. It also gives a short overview of the challenges and controversy surrounding New START and concludes with a view of just how important for the U.S. – Russia relationship it is to secure a successful implementation of this Treaty.