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On July 18, 2017, the Russian International Affairs Council held an “urban breakfast” titled “Is there a future for Russia-US relations?” at the Dostoyevsky library. On this occasion, the lecture was given by Andrey Kortunov, RIAC Director General, and Mikhail Troitskiy, Head of School of Government and International Affairs at MGIMO and a RIAC expert.

On July 18, 2017, the Russian International Affairs Council held an “urban breakfast” titled “Is there a future for Russia-US relations?” at the Dostoyevsky library. On this occasion, the lecture was given by Andrey Kortunov, RIAC Director General, and Mikhail Troitskiy, Head of School of Government and International Affairs at MGIMO and a RIAC expert.

Having considered the overwhelming political power of both Russia and the United States at the United Nations, their nuclear capacities and their roles in world’s energy security, Andrey Kortunov concluded that the relations between Russia and the US are one of the pillars of the contemporary world order, and thus must have a future. A. Kortunov believes that the current antagonism in the relations between the two powers stems from both their inability to create a positive basis for their affairs following the Cold War, and their different world visions.

Mikhail Troitskiy shared A. Kortunov’s perspective on the future of the Russia- US relations, particularly emphasizing the bond between the political elites of the two countries and the non-necessity of perceiving Russia as an enemy in the international political arena. He further added that the conflicting state interests, and more importantly, the differences in the identities of Russia and the US, have resulted in the absence of political will to foster their cooperation.

Arguing about what the future holds for these two countries, both experts reflected upon the possible improvements in their relations that the Donald Trump presidency might bring. While A. Kortunov argues that this improvement might come from the convergence of the Russian and American presidents’ world visions, M. Troitskiy contends that it may be determined by the changing identities of the two countries. The two experts agreed that the affairs between Russia and the US will develop, but will most definitely face certain hardships as well.

Video (In Russian)о

RIAC Urban Breakfast Is There a Future for Russia-US Relations?

About the breakfast series:

City breakfast Úrbi et órbi is an opportunity for citizens to learn more about the current issues in international affairs from leading experts in this field. The name of the series contains reference to the times of Ancient Rome, where important announcements started with the words “Úrbi et órbi”. The Russian International Affairs Council experts give lectures to the citizens of Moscow on the current political events and the roles Moscow and Russia play in them.

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Poll conducted

  1. In your opinion, what are the US long-term goals for Russia?
    U.S. wants to establish partnership relations with Russia on condition that it meets the U.S. requirements  
     33 (31%)
    U.S. wants to deter Russia’s military and political activity  
     30 (28%)
    U.S. wants to dissolve Russia  
     24 (22%)
    U.S. wants to establish alliance relations with Russia under the US conditions to rival China  
     21 (19%)
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