| Summary/Abstract |
The contemporary U.S.-Russian relationship is often characterized as a return to the worst tensions of the Cold War, with the accompanying prospect of global nuclear conflict. Yet although the danger of conflict is real, changes to the strategic environment call into question the wisdom of U.S. Cold War-era containment strategies. U.S. strategy toward Russia must account for a rising China, increased asymmetry between U.S. and Russia in both capabilities and demographic potential, and increased Russian reliance on China and the EU for economic viability. In this light, the U.S. should reevaluate vital interests within countries bordering Russia, and carefully craft a sustainable long-term sanctions regime which is likely to moderate–rather than exacerbate–Russia’s assertive foreign policy.
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