It has been nearly three decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the emergence of Russia as an independent state. Moscow (and what was the USSR) is no longer a strategic rival, as it was in the days of the Cold War. While the United States is no longer in a hostile Cold War confrontation with Russia, relations continue to follow a tempestuous course.
Moscow is no longer the “perceived” enemy, but the relationship in the ensuing decades hasn’t blossomed into a friendship either, and sustainable cooperative relations based on the concept of a balance of interests have been elusive. Forging an improved bilateral relationship is in America’s national interest, especially given the re-emergence of Russia’s nationalism under President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s growing power on the world stage.
Putin’s rhetoric vis-a-vis the U.S. remains tough. Under the circumstances, relations with Russia must be a top priority for the U.S., because Russia’s conduct can and does have an immense impact on the vital interests of the U.S.
There are clearly areas where our national interests, priorities, and perspectives diverge significantly. Some believe cooperation is all but impractical and will not achieve substantial results, and that U.S. and Russian values are so far apart that cooperation will ultimately sacrifice our values and principles. Others acknowledge that Russia’s conduct in both foreign and domestic arenas prevent effective collaboration.
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Dr. Katherine (Kat) Harris is an OpsLens contributor, a veteran spouse, expat, and former military contractor with more than 20 years of expertise in military/family transition, career counseling, higher education, organizational strategic planning, and international relations.
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