The World

The future of US-Russian relations

Both the United States and Russia are in the midst of presidential election campaigns, and The World’s Jason Margolis looks at what a change of leadership in both countries could mean for US-Russian relations.

Global Politics

Medvedev’s campaigning couldn’t be more different than the candidates in the US. he’s participated in zero debates and never addressed the Russian people. He says he will work with any administration that forms from the US elections but that it would be easier to work with someone who has a moderate stance, rather than someone who reflects on the past. This analyst says that’s an intriguing comment. He says Medvedev’s words were murky but was giving a jab at Senator McCain, who has been the hardest hitting on Russia. McCain has said Bush have been too friendly towards Russia, and Obama and Clinton agree, citing Russia’s erosion of democracy as a problem. Putin has censored the media and muzzled free speech, but it’s still not like totalitarian Soviet Union days. Russian leaders have bones to pick with the US as well, namely about the missile defense shield. This has been another source of tension.

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