Abstract

This chapter traces the achievements and challenges in Russia-US relations in the post-Cold War era. The chapter focuses on the execution of presidential authority in Russia as a way to understand Russia’s relations with the United States. The presidencies of Boris Yeltsin, Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin represent key phases of Russia-US relations. Taken together, their record is one of mixed accomplishment, fostering a relationship of both convergence and divergence. A periodic convergence of Russian and US interests has enabled accomplishments such as arms control and cooperation in counterterrorism; however, powerful irritants, such as NATO enlargement and missile defence, have perpetuated a discordant climate in which more serious disagreements over Syria, and alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election, leave enduring challenges for the next generation of Russian and US leaders