This act grants permanent normal trade relations with Russia and was signed into law on December 14, 2012.

The passage of a new trade bill that takes aim at Russia's human rights record could complicate the Obama administration's efforts to improve U.S-Russian relations, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Frank G. Klotz observes that the United States and Russia have been at loggerheads lately. Thus, a recent bit of bilateral cooperation in Antarctica comes as welcome news.

Sebastian Mallaby argues that microeconomic struggles are tarnishing the macroeconomic success of the BRICs.

Last winter, a wave of mass demonstrations suddenly broke the surface calm of Russian politics.

This CFR Issue Tracker looks at the United States' relationship with Russia and presidential candidates' stances on the issue.

Gregory Bovt writes that Russia is a low priority on the list of foreign policy issues for both Democratic and Republican candidates and advises avoiding excessive anti-Russian or anti-U.S. rhetoric from both sides.

Russia finally joins the WTO, but Charles A. Kupchan says that political tensions between Washington and Moscow still trouble commercial relations between the U.S. and Russia.

The trial of a punk band in Russia reflects the Putin regime's hard-line opinions on political dissent, and those views are shaping its foreign policy, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Russian President Putin, mistrustful of Western motives, is likely to resist pressure to commit to stronger sanctions against Syria's government, says expert Dimitri Simes.

Links to news, country background, data, U.S. policy toward Russia, and resources related to Russia's energy, ecomony, and nonproliferation.

Vladimir Putin's Middle East trip was an effort to explain policies on Iran and Syria that have put it at odds with Israel and many Arab states, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Ed Husain argues, "Russia should see that unless Assad gives way, the opposition will become more radicalized and increasingly jihadi."

Max Boot argues that Russian assistance to Syria means it's time for the United States to change its policy.

Inside the petro-fueled naval military buildup you've never heard of: It's Russia versus Iran, with three post-Soviet states -- and trillions of dollars in oil -- in the middle.

Russia's savvy president isn't trying to start a new Cold War, he's just waiting to see what happens in November, writes Andrew S. Weiss for Foreign Policy.

President Obama and Russian president Putin gave this joint statement on June 18, 2012.

The weekend massacre near Houla that has galvanized international outrage may spark a stronger Russian stand against the Assad regime, says Syria expert Mona Yacoubian.

Leonid Kishkovsky, director of external affairs and interchurch relations for the Orthodox Church in America, leads a conversation on the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin, and the standing of religious minorities in Russia.

Vladimir Putin's third term as Russia's president could be characterized by greater political competition and middle-class opposition domestically, along with mixed relations with the United States, says CFR expert Stephen Sestanovich.