Thomas Pickering: Complaints Should be Reserved

Interview with Thomas Pickering, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, United States (1997-2000), Ambassador of the United States to Russia (1993-1996). In February 2016 Former Undersecretary of State (the US) visited Moscow and shared his ideas on possible ways of cooperation between Russia and the US, role of think-tanks in normalization of the relations.

Interview with Thomas Pickering, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, United States (1997-2000), Ambassador of the United States to Russia (1993-1996). Global Zero Leader.

In February 2016 Former Undersecretary of State (the US) visited Moscow and shared his ideas on possible ways of cooperation between Russia and the US, role of think-tanks in normalization of the relations.

Which fields can prove to be effective for a feasible Russia-US cooperation, in short-term (under Obama administration) and in mid-term (with the new administration in power)?

Iran, space, Afghanistan and resupply via Northern Distribution Network, The Arctic, terrorism, Syria (with some stretching), climate change.

“Russia-US Relations: Current State and Ways
for Normalization” RIAC and Global Zero Round
Table

Do you think that cooperation based on preventing negative scenario in our relations is possible? For example, working together to reduce the risk of a military encounter (between Russia and NATO), and nuclear risks, including prevention of unauthorized and accidental use of nuclear weapons (between Russia and US)?

With the ending of the ABM treaty, NATO enlargement and differences over CFE, the prognoses for this kind of confidence building is weak. Both sides should be interested in reducing accidents, miscalculations and misjudgments regarding the nuclear deterrent, but the present position of Russia seems to have frozen that possibility even though it would appear to be in the Russian national interest to pursue it.

Does it make sense to set limited, narrow goals in Russia-US relation, like establishing concrete rules of rivalry, in the period of crisis in the bilateral relations?

That, too, would seem logical. But it would be hard, perhaps harder than continuing and trying to expand areas of coming endeavor. While that may not involve large and important issues, we are in a crisis of confidence and establishing a track record on both sides of complying with agreements and working our agreements in areas where we have mutual interests amenable to such would be one way to proceed.

While not as useful in the long run as large moves in areas where mutual interest is clear, if that route is shut it down we should work on what is possibly open.

What role could Russian and American NGOs and think-tanks play in normalization of bilateral relations?

They can and should continue developing ideas and think on areas where we can make some progress and where we might develop an improved relationship. The first step might be to remain quiet if there is nothing positive to say and to find areas where we can speak openly about common interests. Complaints should be reserved at this stage for diplomatic channels.

Interviewed by Natalia Evtikhevich, RIAC program manager