This is a legacy website featuring a collection of work by the Carnegie Endowment’s global network of scholars on topics including Russia, Ukraine, Eurasia, and the post-Soviet states. This site is a product of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace based in Washington, D.C. For more recent work by Carnegie scholars in this field, please visit Carnegie Politika.
U.S. President Barack Obama’s cancellation of the summit with Vladimir Putin is a turning point in U.S.-Russia relations. Obama, who once told the Russians he would be more flexible after the elections, has proven to be the opposite.
Russia’s decision to offer Edward Snowden asylum stems from Vladimir Putin’s desire to maintain a global image as the one major power that can resist U.S. pressure.
From Vladimir Putin’s perspective, U.S. policies in the Middle East since the beginning of the Arab Awakening have been misguided, unprincipled, and dangerous, and Washington’s record of prognostication and intervention has been abysmal.
The Kremlin appears to have found its distinct international role. It is based on conservative nationalism; support for traditional international law with its emphasis on national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of states; and a strong preference for evolutionary path of development over revolutionary upheavals.
Putin will make it clear again that Russian domestic politics is off limits to Washington. By the time Obama arrives for his scheduled visit to Moscow, Snowden will have left the airport, and be silent.
Edward Snowden’s stay in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport has contributed to the already charged atmosphere of U.S.-Russia relations.
Russia has the potential to play a critical role as a global mediator, moderating international tension and fostering global understanding. Unfortunately, as things stand today, this potential remains unrealized.
Shifts in Russia’s foreign policy following Putin’s return to power result from significant changes in the country’s domestic situation and a shifting global environment.
Traditional Chinese core values, especially the notion of harmony, have a strong influence on China’s foreign policy.
Dmitri Trenin participated in a live Twitter Q&A on the upcoming G8 summit, the meeting between Presidents Putin and Obama, and the future of U.S.-Russia relations.