“The situation today is such that each country’s security can only be guaranteed by joint security efforts. In this mutually-dependent world, there can only be universal security,” said Gorbachev, 76, who played a key role in the dismantling of Soviet Union in an interview to RIA Novosti
The US has been pressing for deployment of elements of its missile defence system in central Europe, to defend itself and the European continent against potential threats from Iran and North Korea.
Moscow has strongly opposed the plans, citing national security concerns, and has offered Washington the joint use of a radar Russia rents in Azerbaijan as an alternative.
Cold war methods
“Resorting to the old (Cold War) methods in these rapidly changing circumstances is absolutely misguided, The George Bush administration would clearly not give up its striving for unchallenged global leadership. Under the current US president and his administration, we will have little chance to dramatically change the situation. This situation is dangerous, and this is what the future (US) government must be aware of.”
International tensions
Gorbachev, who now heads the Gorbachev Foundation - a socio-political think tank, called for more intensive cooperation as a way to reduce international tensions.
"There is a feeling of growing international unrest, which can only be stopped by political means, only through cooperation and a greater role for international institutions.”