Volu m e II - Purdue University Calumet

eestablishment of communications between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Russia,
and the creation of the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission (B.P.C.) are all positive steps that
signal a strengthening of ties between Moscow and Washington (Rojansky; “U.S.-Russia Bilateral…”).
While these are important steps towards rapprochement, there is still much uncertainty and distrust that
must be overcome in order to establish a sustainable relationship based upon more than specific strategic
interests.
In addressing the future of U.S.-Russian relations, it is important to recognize the history of the
Cold War and the remaining distrust and the resulting problems this presents to building positive relations.
Additionally, the history of relations between the U.S. and Russia following the Cold War are important for
understanding where they may lead in the future. If U.S.-Russian relations are to be normalized, it will
ultimately require substantial effort on the part of the United States as well as Russia to overcome past
perceptions and prejudices against one another. The United States administration and Congress should
make consistency and reliability a priority when dealing with Russia, so that treaties agreed upon by the two
states are not revoked and promises are not broken, as has been the case in the past. A policy of “realistic
engagement” with Russia addressing areas of agreement, as well as issues of contention, rather than isolating
Russia would be a good step toward long term, positive relations (Åslund 5). This should involve increased
cooperation between NATO and Russia, assisting Russia in its application for joining the World Trade
Organization (WTO), and greater focus upon issues of mutual concern such as the nuclear proliferation,
achieving stability within Afghanistan, commercial interests, and energy policy.
U.S.-Russian Relations following the Cold War: Uncertainty and Mistrust
Following the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia was greatly weakened as it lost
substantial territory, suffered an economic collapse, and struggled to reformulate its political system. At
the end of the 1990s, Russia began to rapidly recover economically, which was further boosted by the high
natural gas and oil prices after 2003. With its increased economic strength, Russia began to be more
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