institute of europe
the institute of europe of the russian academy of sciences
Russia-US relations: prospects and reality
- 28 February 2017
On February 28, 2017, the round table discussion «Russian-American relations: prospects and reality» was held in the Russian State Duma by the International Affairs Committee.
The discussion featured participation of chiefs of the State Duma's leading fractions; Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of foreign affairs; chiefs and key figures of Russia's leading research facilities such as MGIMO University, Institute of USA and Canada RAS, Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations RAS as well as individual researchers in the field of US studies. IE RAS was represented by Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary, Leading scientific associate Igor Sherbak.
Nearly all speakers admitted that US-Russia relations are now at their lowest point since the start of the Cold War. According to the experts, fundamental principles of cooperation between two countries have been profoundly shaken by the previous US administration. The participants expressed hope that the switch of US administration may create the window of opportunity for ameliorating bilateral interaction. US-Russia cooperation should be based on the balance of interests. It should exclude any attempts of blackmailing and imposing one's will on the partner. Russia promotes pragmatic dialogue based on equality and mutual respect. The prospects of US-Russia relations will largely depend on Washington's real actions, on the ability of the new administration to overcome anti-Russian sentiments among the elites and to find common ground on the most relevant issues of international security and bilateral cooperation.
