Post-Cold War Russia/West relations: U.S. Foreign policy initiatives, sources of friction, and prospects for the future

Abstract

This study analyzes U.S. foreign policy initiatives toward Russia between 1993- 2000. With the fall of the Soviet Union, the West found itself in a period of global transition during which they had an opportunity to redefine the post-Cold War security arena and secure enduring peace and cooperation between historically adversarial blocs, The key to creating this system was immediate, full-fledged Russian inclusion. Yet due to remaining Cold War-biases and misaligned U.S. policies, Russia has become alienated from the West. Russia's newfound isolation is the result of an evolving process that has begun to destabilize global security. The failure of structurally and financially inadequate economic reforms led to Russia's catastrophic 1998, market crash, provided Russians with a scapegoat, and helped silence reformers. The expansion of NATO showed Russia that it had no part in the West's newly envisioned security system. Furthermore, the Kosovo campaign nullified Russia's UN veto and consequent global influence, armed NATO's threatening encroachment, and bolstered a Russian, anti-Western body politic. Consequently, the West must reassess its current stance and set Russian inclusion as its first priority, for history suggests that without Russia, there is can be no stability in Europe.