A New Cold War or Strategic Cooperation? Rethinking U.S.-Russia Relations

The relationship between the United States and Russia has become a defining element of global geopolitics. For years, a bipartisan consensus in Washington has approached Moscow with hostility and suspicion, framing Russia as a perennial adversary. From economic sanctions to military posturing in Eastern Europe, U.S. policy has entrenched a narrative of confrontation. Yet, history and reason suggest that this trajectory is not inevitable—or productive.

We at the Center for Realpolitik and American Values (CRAV) believe it is time to rethink U.S.-Russia relations, moving beyond ideological confrontation toward pragmatic cooperation. Russia is not an inherent enemy of the United States, and bridging gaps where mutual interests align offers a pathway to reducing global tensions and advancing American interests.

Missed Opportunities in the Post-Cold War Era

The end of the Cold War presented an unprecedented opportunity for the United States to reshape its relationship with Russia. However, rather than engaging Russia as a potential partner, U.S. policy often marginalized it. NATO expansion into Eastern Europe, despite objections from Moscow, is one of the most contentious examples. Former U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union George F. Kennan, the architect of the Cold War containment strategy, called this expansion “the most fateful error of American policy in the post-Cold War era,” predicting it would provoke a backlash that could destabilize Europe (New York Times, 1998).

Similarly, the 1990s economic “shock therapy,” championed by Western advisors, devastated the Russian economy, fostering resentment and mistrust. These policies sent a clear message: Russia’s defeat in the Cold War meant exclusion from the new international order rather than inclusion as a partner.

Strategic Cooperation Over Ideological Crusades

Despite decades of tension, there remain areas where U.S. and Russian interests overlap. Counterterrorism is one such example. Both nations have a vested interest in combating extremist threats in the Middle East and Central Asia. The 2011 Russian support for the Northern Distribution Network, a supply route to U.S. forces in Afghanistan, demonstrated that pragmatic cooperation is possible when interests align (Brookings Institution, 2017).

Another area of potential collaboration is arms control. The renewal of the New START treaty in 2021 underscored the importance of dialogue on nuclear weapons. In a world where new powers like China are developing advanced arsenals, U.S.-Russia cooperation remains critical to maintaining global stability.

Finally, energy and climate concerns offer an avenue for bridge-building. Russia, as one of the world’s largest energy producers, could be a valuable partner in stabilizing global markets or transitioning toward sustainable energy solutions. This would require moving past zero-sum thinking and recognizing the mutual benefits of collaboration.

The Dangers of Unchecked Hostility

Continued hostility toward Russia risks driving it closer to America’s real strategic competitor: China. Since 2014, sanctions and isolation have pushed Russia into Beijing’s orbit, creating a geopolitical bloc that undermines U.S. influence in key regions. By engaging Russia diplomatically, the U.S. can work to weaken this alignment and prevent the consolidation of a rival axis.

Additionally, perpetual confrontation feeds instability in regions like Eastern Europe, where NATO military exercises and Russian counter-mobilizations heighten the risk of accidental conflict. Escalation in such areas would be catastrophic, not just for Europe but for global security.

A Vision for Pragmatic Engagement

Engaging with Russia does not mean overlooking its faults. Issues such as human rights abuses and regional aggression, as seen in Ukraine, demand a measured response. However, treating Russia as an irredeemable adversary prevents progress on shared goals. As President Richard Nixon once observed, “Only when our strength is combined with diplomacy can we achieve a balance of power that favors freedom” (Nixon Center, 1992). This philosophy of strength and dialogue remains as relevant today as it was during the Cold War.

Pragmatic engagement would involve a renewed focus on dialogue, beginning with areas of common interest such as arms control and counterterrorism. This approach would also require a reassessment of policies that have needlessly provoked Moscow, such as blanket sanctions that harm ordinary Russians while failing to change Kremlin behavior. A more targeted, interest-based strategy could yield better results.

A Path Forward

At CRAV, we advocate for a foreign policy rooted in Realpolitik, one that prioritizes American interests over ideological crusades. U.S.-Russia relations are a prime example of where this philosophy can yield results. By moving beyond the current trend of hostility, the United States can reduce tensions, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and refocus resources on challenges that matter most to Americans.

A new Cold War is not inevitable. Through strategic cooperation and a pragmatic reassessment of past mistakes, the U.S. can engage Russia in ways that benefit both nations. The choice is ours: perpetuate hostility or build a future where mutual interests guide a more stable and productive relationship.

Sources

• Kennan, George F. “A Fateful Error.” New York Times, 1998.
• Brookings Institution. “Russia’s Role in U.S. Supply Lines to Afghanistan.” Brookings.edu, 2017.
• Nixon Center. “Diplomacy and Power: Reflections on U.S.-Russia Relations.” NixonCenter.org, 1992.