A New U.S. Strategy for Russia?

By Micah Zenko (Council on Foreign Relations)

While policymakers continued to struggle with investigating Russian interference in the U.S. election, I sat down with Professor Kimberly Marten to talk about how the Trump administration can effectively manage the increasingly tense relationship with Russia. Marten is the Ann Whitney Olin Professor of Political Science at Barnard College, a faculty member of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University, and director of the Program on U.S.-Russia Relations at Columbiaâ??s Harriman Institute. She is also the author of a recent Center for Preventive Action Council Special Report, Reducing Tensions Between Russia and NATO.

Professor Marten details how U.S. policymakers can deter an aggressive Russia while reassuring its political leaders that NATOâ??s intentions are defensive. She also sheds light on the recent history of the U.S.-Russian relationship, providing critical context for understanding Russia today, and offers recommendations for developing more creative approaches to deterrence. For a serious take on U.S. strategy toward Russia, read Martenâ??s report, listen to our conversation, and be sure to follow Marten on Twitter @KimberlyMarten.