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October 2003
| Authors: | James M. Goldgeier, Whitney Shepardson Senior Fellow for Transatlantic Relations Michael A. McFaul, Stanford University |
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Russia, once seen as America ’s greatest adversary, is now viewed by the United States as a potential partner. This module traces the evolution of American foreign policy toward the Soviet Union , and later Russia , during the tumultuous and uncertain period following the end of the cold war. It examines how American policy-makers coped with the opportunities and challenges presented by the new Russia.
What is a CFR Academic Module?
Academic Modules—featuring teaching notes by the authors of CFR publications—are designed to assist educators in creating or supplementing a course syllabus. The modules are customized packages built around a primary CFR text, such as a book or report, and include teaching notes; additional readings; video, audio, and transcripts of CFR meetings; Foreign Affairs articles; and other online resources. Use of these modules is free of charge. They may be used in part or in their entirety.
October 2003
This book traces the evolution of American foreign policy toward the Soviet Union, and later Russia, during the tumultuous and uncertain period following the end of the cold war. It examines how American policymakers—particularly in the executive branch—coped with the opportunities and challenges presented by the new Russia.
By James M. Goldgeier
Power and Purpose is designed for several different types of courses:
General Courses on International Relations and American Foreign Policy
Discussion Questions
General Courses on Democratization
Discussion Questions
Debate
Specific Courses on U.S.-Russian Relations
Possible topics include:
Journal of Democracy
Volume 15, Number 3, July 2004
Vladimir Putin has pursued an anti-pluralist strategy, remaking the balance of power in Russian politics to favor "force" (the coercive apparatus of the old state bureaucracy, especially the KGB) over "money" (those who gained new wealth after 1991, especially the "oligarchs"). Will this new balance endure? Business has many reasons — and increasing resources — for pursuing a larger political role. The future of Russian pluralism depends above all on the response of business interests to changing economic and political circumstances. Will they doubt their legitimacy and seek a protector — or ally with others to alter Putin's bureaucratic order?
May 2003
Almost exactly a year after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush released to Congress and the American public his National Security Strategy, the most detailed and comprehensive statement of how his administration intends to protect the security of the United States in the post-September 11 world. While few have disagreed with the goals of the strategy, a great deal of controversy has arisen about how these goals should be implemented. This innovative paper, written by Senior Fellow Lawrence Korb, an expert with decades of experience on national security issues, lays out the best case for three different ways in which the administration could implement the president’s strategy.
November 2002
At a time when American primacy appears to be stronger than ever, Council Fellow and Georgetown Professor Charles Kupchan argues that the end of Pax Americana is near. What will replace American supremacy, and how American leaders should prepare for this new era, are the central questions of this provocative new book.
October 2002
This collection is a record of the best attempts to understand international politics over the last dozen years. It brings together many powerful thinkers, including Samuel P. Huntington, Francis Fukuyama, and Fareed Zakaria, trying to figure out the forces that are driving world events and how Americans should respond.
May 2002
If Russia veers toward instability or a more severe dictatorship under President Vladimir Putin, the threat to its neighbors could be severe. Such a scenario would also present serious challenges for European integration and derail the process of Russian rapprochement with the United States.
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