Joschka Fischer on relations between the West and Russia

In the business paper Figyelő former German foreign minister Joschka Fischer ponders the West's relations with Russia and expresses doubts about Russia's strength. "Russia is no longer the superpower it once was during the Soviet era. Nonetheless, it is still a great power in military terms, at least in Europe and Asia. For this reason it is necessary in view of the many regional conflicts (Iran, the Middle East, Afghanistan/Pakistan, Central Asia, North Korea) as well as regards the global challenges so important to the West (climate protection, energy security, demilitarisation and controlling the proliferation of nuclear weapons) for us to cooperate with Russia. A strategic confrontation with Russia - a new 'mini Cold War' - would thwart these plans or at least make them more complicated. The question that arises now is: Does Russia really represent such a great threat that the West needs to reorient its strategy? My answer is no. ... The superpower status and superpower policies of [Prime Minister] Vladimir Putin rest on shaky foundations, above all now that oil prices have sunk below 40 dollars per barrel. And Putin is fully aware of this."

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