Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin sets the stage for a challenging period in U.S.-Russian relations. Will Putin's strident anti-American rhetoric on the campaign trail translate into increased tension on major issues like missile defense, the fast-moving situation in the Middle East, and Afghanistan? How will the recent wave of political protests affect U.S.-Russian relations? What will the impact be on U.S.-Russian commercial and trade ties in light of the ongoing debate in Congress over Russia's accession to the WTO and possible revocation of the Jackson-Vanik amendment?
Andrew Weiss, director of the RAND Center for Russia and Eurasia, moderated a panel discussion. on April 11, 2012. Participants included:
Ambassador Stephen Sestanovich
George F. Kennan Senior Fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of International Diplomacy, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University; and former ambassador-at-large for the former Soviet Union, U.S. Department of State
Leon Aron
Resident Scholar and Director of Russian Studies, American Enterprise Institute
Edward Verona
President and CEO, U.S.-Russia Business Council