2002 – 2025
A visual history of the post-Cold War security architecture that ended in collapse.
The Final Announcement
On December 3, 2025, the attempt to bind Russia to the West formally ended. During a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the disbandment of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC).
"Among the formal decisions, I ask you to note the Secretary General's statement that the NATO-Russia Council no longer exists... The NATO-Russia Council and the NATO-Russia Founding Act are no longer in effect."
The Arc of Relations (1997–2025)
Visualizing the "Health Index" of diplomatic relations, from the optimism of the Founding Act to the total collapse following the Ukraine invasion.
Key Milestones
The critical events that defined the institution's lifespan.
1997
The Founding Act
Signed in Paris. Established the Permanent Joint Council (PJC) and pledged no nuclear deployments in new member states.
2002
The Rome Declaration
The NATO-Russia Council (NRC) is born. Russia becomes an "equal partner" in the "At 20" format.
2008
Georgia War
First major fracture. NATO suspends formal meetings. Relations resumed in 2009 but trust was damaged.
2014
Crimea & Donbas
Annexation of Crimea. All practical civilian and military cooperation is suspended. The Council becomes a "Zombie" forum.
Dec 3, 2025
Final Dissolution
Secretary General Mark Rutte declares the NRC "no longer exists." The 1997 Founding Act is null and void.
Areas of Cooperation (2002-2008)
The Era of Cooperation
Before the breakdown, the NRC was not just a talk shop. It facilitated significant practical achievements that enhanced global security.
Cooperative Airspace Initiative
Shared radar data to prevent 9/11-style attacks using civilian aircraft.
Afghanistan Support
Russia allowed transit of non-lethal cargo (Northern Distribution Network) and trained anti-narcotics officers.
Submarine Rescue
Prompted by the Kursk tragedy, joint protocols and exercises like "Bold Monarch" were established.
Why did the format change?
Comparing the 1997 PJC structure with the 2002 NRC structure.
1997: Permanent Joint Council
NATO members would meet first to agree on a unified position, then present it to Russia.
- ✖ Russia felt sidelined
- ✖ No joint decision making
- ✖ Block vs. Country dynamic
2002: NATO-Russia Council
All members (NATO allies + Russia) sat as equal individual partners.
- ✔ Consensus based
- ✔ Equal speaking rights
- ✔ Joint action on common threats
Consequences of Disbandment (2025)
Nullification
The 1997 Founding Act is legally null and void. The foundational document of post-Cold War security is gone.
Troop Deployments
Restrictions on deploying "substantial combat forces" in Eastern Europe are formally lifted, allowing permanent NATO bases.
No Dialogue
All institutional mechanisms for crisis management and consultation are dismantled, increasing risk of miscalculation.