Dialogue between Russia and the US

Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, analyses in the International Herald Tribune the new relations between the US and Russia. "My impression is that a new phase of Russian politics is under way. ... Whatever the ultimate outcome, the presidential election marked a transition from a phase of consolidation to a period of modernization. ... The operation of the Russian government with two centres of power - at least initially - may, in retrospect, appear as the beginning of an evolution toward a form of checks and balances lacking heretofore. ... The policy of assertive intrusion into what Russians consider their own sense of self runs the risk of thwarting both geopolitical as well as moral goals. ... Russia's leaders are conscious of their strategic limitations. Indeed, I would characterize Russian policy under Putin as driven in a quest for a reliable strategic partner, with America being the preferred choice. ... The Sochi declaration of Presidents Bush and Putin in April outlined a road map for an emerging strategic dialogue between the two sides. It remains for the new administrations in Russia and America to give it operational context."

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