Book excerpt: Relations between the Russian Federation and the West have evolved steadily since the end of the Cold War. In late 2001, RAND and the Moscow-based Institute for the USA and Canada Studies created a working group that examined ways to increase cooperation between NATO and Russia. The group concluded that Russia should become more deeply involved, as an equal partner, in NATO deliberations, including in regard to the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The goal is to share responsibilities and build security across Eurasia.