High hopes for Barack Obama’s visit to Moscow on July 6-8
The meeting between Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev on July 6-8 could be called a summit of expectations. Russia and the United States are hoping they will finally be able to press the “reset” button in Moscow.
One of the most important issues before Presidents Obama and Medvedev is further reduction of strategic missiles and a new agreement to replace the START Treaty, due to expire in December. Both sides hope an important step will be made towards cutting nuclear arsenals.
There are also regional concerns: stabilization in Afghanistan, negotiations with Iran, the North Korean problem and a settlement in the Middle East.
Finally, bilateral economic relations has a troubled history that dates from the Cold War and continues to hinder business. These include the Jackson-Vanik amendment and other statutes from the period when capitalism and communism were at odds. Russia will have to clarify its recent decision to stop negotiations to join the World Trade Organization in favor of joint accession as a Customs Union with Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Can one suppose the July summit will mark a turning point in Russian-American relations? There are reasons to think so. Obama and Medvedev are pragmatists who want to establish relations on the basis of benefit, national interests and common need. Both belong to the post-Cold War generation of politicians.
But for a genuine “reset” to occur, words must be backed up.
They should work towards broader, more institutionalized relations, establishing permanent contacts between different the countries so problems can be resolved before resentment grows.
Russia and America need to better understand each other’s national interests, priorities and circumstances. Awareness of these factors and willingness to compromise will bring the bilateral relationship their leaders are now striving for.
