“Despite the “reset” that began in 2008, current relations between Russia and the West are characterized by noticeable complications. More than 20 years after the end of the Cold War and its ideological confrontation, relations between Russia and the countries of the West are contradictory in nature, with areas of close cooperation offset by mutual criticism and distrust. And rather than being a mitigating factor, Vladimir Putin’s return to the Russian presidency has exacerbated the numerous differences of recent years.

On a positive note, Russia and the United States have made considerable progress in establishing a dialogue on nuclear disarmament issues; there has been cooperation on a broad range of projects in politics and economics between Russia and European Union countries; and joint Russia EU- U.S. efforts to resolve problems in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Iran continue...”

Excerpt from Denis Alexeev, “Resetting Relations with Russia,” per Concordiam: Journal of European Security Defense Issues 4, No. 2, 2013: 14-19.

Dr. Denis Alexeev is associate professor of international relations at Saratov University, Russia, and a former visiting fellow at the Marshall Center. He teaches courses on Russian foreign and security policy and national security. His background includes a stint as visiting fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, and delivering lectures at Stanford University. His research has been supported by the Carnegie Foundation and Russian Academy of Sciences. Dr. Alexeev is a 2004 graduate of the Marshall Center’s Leaders Program.

This article reflects the views of the author and are not necessarily the official policy of the United States, Germany, or any other governments.