The Kremlin and the Obama administration have signaled a desire to work toward a more cooperative U.S.-Russia relationship. But CFR Fellow Jeffrey Mankoff says Russian sensitivity over its "near abroad" will continue to threaten progress.

S. Frederick Starr, a longtime expert on the Caucasus and Central Asia, says Russia is using a "carrot and stick" approach to attempt to force the United States out of a crucial air base in Kyrgyzstan, showing its determination to reclaim its traditional influence in the so-called near abroad.

In the past few years, horizontal and vertical proliferation have collided. That is, the need for significant strengthening of the nonproliferation regime in the wake of nuclear developments in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan is now absolutely clear. So too, however, is growing unwillingness among non-nuclear-weapon states to even consider additional measures in what they see as the absence of serious progress by the nuclear-armed states toward disarmament.

Session Two explores how Russia's foreign policy may be influenced by domestic events and policies.

Listen to experts analyze the domestic political situation in Russia and the effects of the financial crisis on the Russian economy.

Watch experts analyze the domestic political situation in Russia and the effects of the financial crisis on the Russian economy.

Watch experts give insight into Russian foreign policy including the recent energy conflict and Russia's actions in the Caucasus region.

Listen to experts give insight into Russian foreign policy including the recent energy conflict and Russia's actions in the Caucasus region.

A discussion on recent economic, political, and social developments in the Russian Federation.

In the third session of the Russian-American Relations Symposium, panelists talk about prospects for better a better bilateral relationship in the new Obama administration, and the challenges and issues that will define interactions between the Russian Federation and the United States.

Watch experts discuss the future of Russian-American relations and how the Obama administration could handle issues such as Iranian nuclear ambitions, NATO membership expansion, and the U.S. missile shield project.

Listen to experts discuss the future of Russian-American relations and how the Obama administration could handle issues such as Iranian nuclear ambitions, NATO membership expansion, and the U.S. missile shield project.

Jeffrey Mankoff, an expert on Russia, says the dispute that led Russia to cut off natural gas to Ukraine has its origins in differences over pricing as well as Ukraine's interest in closer ties with the West.

Russia's toughest economic challenge since the collapse of 1998 could lead it to a less confrontational foreign policy and a loss of international standing, writes CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Robert E. Hunter, who was U.S. ambassador to NATO during the Clinton administration, says he does not expect NATO foreign ministers to enlarge the alliance to include Georgia or Ukraine at the next meeting in December.

Russian President Dmitry A. Medvedev, speaking at CFR on Saturday, said Moscow viewed the changing of the guard in the White House as a chance for revitalization of U.S.-Russian ties after years of deteriorating relations.

Listen to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev speak about U.S.-Russia relations in the next administration with former secretary of state Madeleine K. Albright.

Watch Russian President Dmitry Medvedev speak about U.S.-Russia relations in the next administration with former secretary of state Madeleine K. Albright.

A transcript of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev's appearance at CFR on November 15, 2008.