A New Operational System for Russian-American Relations

On September 16, the Russian International Affairs Council held the second session of the Working Group on Russian-American Relations. Prior to the session, RIAC President Igor Ivanov and Director of the Institute for U.S. and Canadian Studies Sergey Rogov presented their comments on the current status of the bilateral dialog. Among other things, Dr. Ivanov underlined that the key issue seems to be in overcoming mutual mistrust that cannot be surmounted through declarations and needs a roadmap to develop the relationship.

On September 16, the Russian International Affairs Council held the second session of the Working Group on Russian-American Relations.

Prior to the session, RIAC President Igor Ivanov and Director of the Institute for U.S. and Canadian Studies Sergey Rogov presented their comments on the current status of the bilateral dialog. Among other things, Dr. Ivanov underlined that the key issue seems to be in overcoming mutual mistrust that cannot be surmounted through declarations and needs a roadmap to develop the relationship.

Dr. Rogov said that in absence of an economic platform the bilateral relationship is vulnerable and requires an upgrade and a base for the dialog advancement. As the world has been moving to the verge of another cold war, the Syria situation has unexpectedly generated prospects for large-scale Russian-American cooperation. If the agenda comes to life, it will be not a reset but rather a new operational system. Should the process go ahead, it is likely to incorporate the nuclear talks, ballistic missile defense and economic cooperation.

The working group deliberations covered the future of the relationship, impact of the U.S. domestic situation on the dialog, prospects for modernization of the countries' nuclear strategies, as well as information security.

The 2nd session of the Working Group on Russian American Relations