As Russia regains its prominence in the U.S. foreign policy agenda, many wonder whether Obama’s policy of accommodating Russia’s interests for the sake of mutual cooperation will be politically sustainable. Despite heavy Congressional opposition to the new START nuclear disarmament treaty with Russia, Saradzhyan emphasized that the United States is “a rational actor” and that “the level of attention paid to Russia will remain sufficient.” With the balance of power and the American position in the world changing rapidly, the definition of “sufficient” might well be subject to debate. What remains certain, however, is that the “reset” policy has effected a paradigm shift; now it is up to American policymakers to take advantage and accelerate Russia’s transition from uneasy counterpart to strategic partner.
