United States Relations With Russia: Forging a Way Ahead

摘要

One of the major challenges facing President Barack Obama is the relationship between the United States and Russia. Over the last year the relationship between Russia and the United States has appeared strained at times, with both countries engaging in rhetoric over the Russian military response to the Georgian invasion of South Ossetia and the continued United States plan to deploy Anti-Ballistic Missiles (ABMs) in Eastern Europe. It would seem these two countries have large differences, but closer examination is required to determine the nature of the relationship and develop potential areas of common interest. This project examines the United States - Russia relationship in light of Russian foreign policy and national security objectives and outlines specific policy recommendations for the United States regarding Russia. These recommendations are based on examining Russian - U.S. interests in four critical strategic structural areas: sovereignty and spheres of influence, oil production/exports, nuclear non-proliferation, and counter- terrorism.