After a brief period of positive relations between Russia and NATO in the early 1990s, a whole series of crises in relations have led to a general deterioration of the relationship. These crises have resulted from two very different conceptions of self-identity and of the future of security in Europe. Although the divisions became evident already in before the turn of the millennium, the policies of Presidents Putin and Medvedev aimed at rebuilding Russia's role as a great power contributed further to the divisions. Three areas of NATO policy have been central to Russia's growing opposition to NATO-expansion eastward, the development of a missile shield, and the globalization of NATO's involvement. Prospects for a real reconciliation between Russia and NATO are not positive. Adapted from the source document.