The Prohibitive Global Price of Poor U.S.-Russia Relations (NezavisimayaGazeta, Russia)
"The 'Snowden problem,' which some have tried to posit as a
central issue in world politics, is not in fact that detrimental to the
fate of humanity. However, the threat of nuclear proliferation, the growing
scale of regional conflicts, terrorism, the various manifestations of extremism
- all genuinely threaten Russia, the U.S., Europe, and the entire international community. ... Are current Russian-U.S.
relations a match for the global challenges they confront? The Snowden incident
shows that we are still a long way from such a goal."
On
August 9, a meeting of Russian and U.S. foreign and defense officials took
place in Washington. A day before the meeting, U.S. President Barack Obama
announced his decision to cancel a visit to Russia scheduled for September. In
the camp of America's "hawks," the decision triggered jubilation. Their
Moscow "associates" rubbed their hands. And there were others in
Europe happily gloating over the latest setback in Russian-U.S. relations. The
durability of Cold War stereotypes are such, they not only poison Russia-U.S.
relations, but they hinder the development of a new model for international
relations capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century!
If
we set aside the political situation and passing emotion, it becomes evident
that the cancellation of this top-level Russian-American summit is a serious
blow, not only to bilateral relations, but to common aspirations for a more
stable, predictable and secure world. The "Snowden problem," which some
have tried to posit as a central issue in world politics, is not in fact that
detrimental to the fate of humanity. However, the threat of nuclear
proliferation, the growing scale of regional conflicts, terrorism, the various
manifestations of extremism - all genuinely threaten Russia, the U.S., Europe, and
the entire international community.
As
is widely recognized, at the cusp of the 20th and 21st centuries, the world
entered a period of instability. And there is no reason to consider that this
period is drawing to a conclusion. Global factors generating this instability remain
- the changing balance among the major global powers, continuing economic
inequality, scarcity of natural resources, and the crisis in traditional models
for extensive development. Add to this the rapid development of modern
communications technology, wide access to new mechanisms of social and
political mobilization, the sharp increase in migration and a host of other
modern challenges, it is easy to conclude that the path ahead won't prove easy
for humanity. The internationalization of the civil war in Syria and the
political crisis in Egypt may be harbingers of large-scale and destructive
upheavals that threaten the modern world.
Regaining
a measure of control over world politics is a common task for all states
because amid the growing chaos, all countries suffer. Nevertheless, leaders in
Russia and the United States have a special responsibility for constructing
the new model for international relations.
In
the first place, relations between Moscow and Washington were the axis of world
politics in the second half of the last century. Although the Cold War is past,
many of the problems it spawned continue to poison world politics to this day,
with all the suspicion, crises and conflicts the Cold War entailed. Russia and
the United States bear primary responsibility for speedily overcoming this
legacy.
Second,
Russia and the United States remain the only nations on earth capable of
repeatedly destroying one another and the rest of humanity in suicidal nuclear
war. Therefore, the questions of nuclear rearmament, non-proliferation, and the
prevention of nuclear terrorism, also fall primarily on the shoulders of our
two nations.
Third,
Moscow and Washington, for a host of historical, geographical, economic and
other reasons, almost inevitably find themselves involved in the most pointed
issues of our times. One need only recall the Near East, Afghanistan, and the
Balkans. The global "arc of instability" passes through the zone of vital
interests for both countries.
Posted By Worldmeets.US
Fourth,
our countries lie at the epicenter of many global problems: from energy and the
environment, to cyberspace and outer space. Without mutual understanding and
cooperation, achieving any forward progress will prove daunting.
Are
current Russian-U.S. relations a match for the global challenges they confront?
The Snowden incident shows that we are still a long way from such a goal. Obviously,
were our relations to meet the demands of our time and be built on a firm legal
basis, incidents like this, which sometimes occur in bilateral relations, would
be resolved at a technical level, without affecting the long-term interests of
either state.
Of
course, cancellation of this senior-level Russian-American summit complicates
the strategic dialogue between our two nations, but it does nothing to diminish
its importance. In keeping with the imperatives of our times and our long-term national interests, Russian and American leaders have a chance to turn the page and begin forming a solid basis for relations. Winston Churchill and
Charles de Gaulle, who never had much sympathy for one another, were ultimately able to
work together effectively during World War II and in the postwar period.
Common
sense dictates that sooner or later, Russia and the United States will become
partners in constructing a new system of global politics for the 21st century.
One hopes that happens sooner rather than later, as the cost of delay may prove
too high.
*Igor SergeyevitchIvanov is a former foreign
minister and president of the Russian Council on International Affairs
