Axis, Rivalry, Or Chaos? The US-China-Russia Equation With Michael McFaul | China Considered
Watch below this podcast episode from the Hoover Institution, or listen on your favorite platform.
Last week, I saw down with Liz Economy (a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and a senior advisor for China in the Department of Commerce from 2021 to 2023) to discuss the relationship between the United States, China, and Russia, the history of US engagement with Russia, my experience as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia under President Obama, and the increasing cooperation between China and Russia.
We begin by discussing President Obama’s early engagement with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, namely the signing of comprehensive multilateral sanctions with Iran, along with my role in crafting the Obama administration’s Russia policy. We then shift to a conversation about how Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are attempting to reshape the international order, how the war in Ukraine has already changed this relationship, and whether a “reverse Kissinger” is possible from the perspective of the United States.
Disclaimer: At 03:08, the referenced chapter is Chapter 25, titled "Realistic Reengagement with the Soviets."
Watch below, or listen on your favorite platform (iTunes or Spotify)
What’s the next step for Ukraine peace ???
They need the Europeans to fill the role!!
This is a fascinating topic. The author begins with the Reagan administration’s tough stance on Russia, then shifts to the Obama administration’s sanctions on Iran's nuclear program—highlighting the stark contrast in its approach to Russia.
Furthermore, since 1991, the shift in the Putin government’s attitude toward the U.S. is illustrated with numerous examples, which are thought-provoking. This doesn't seem to be an isolated case: many political figures appear to be pro-American early in their careers, only to later adopt adversarial or distanced stances. This, of course, is related to the partisan inclinations of successive U.S. administrations.
Finally, since this is a broad issue, the current situation is intriguing—Putin now appears to hold a pro-American attitude, while also maintaining friendly relations with China. Can this balancing act last? If Putin is both pro-America and pro-China, does that indeed show that he is a “strong leader,” as President Trump has claimed?
Thank you so much for your thoughtful presentation and nuanced analysis of this complex issue.