... interoperability, and deployment, as well as the process of making decisions about the use of force? 18 Engaging Russia as Partner and Participant: The Next Stage of NATO -Russia Relations All these are ... http://www.nato.int/docu/pr/2003/p031204e.htm (as of September 23, 2004) Also see NATO -Russia Engaging Russia as Partner and Participant: The Next Stage of NATO -Russia Relations • further work on practical aspects of our fight ... especially in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Transcaucasus In short, the next phase of NATO -Russia relations should focus on Russia s greater engagement as a partner and a participant NATO-Russia...