As Obama’s ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul got to know how its president thinks. And he’s clear on one thing: Thanks to Trump, ‘the world looks pretty good from Putin’s point of view’
MICHAEL MCFAUL WAS AN ACADEMIC EXPERT IN RUSSIAN STUDIES WHEN President Barack Obama tapped him to become the White House’s point man on Russia in 2009. He was tasked with attempting to reset relations with Russia after its invasion of neighboring Georgia. But soon after he was appointed as ambassador, Vladimir Putin accused the U.S. of being behind mass demonstrations opposing his third term as president. McFaul quickly became a hated figure in Russian media, and nationalist youth groups physically harassed him after he met with representatives of the Russian opposition.
By the end of his ambassadorship in 2014, Russia had invaded neighboring Ukraine, leaving the reset in tatters. McFaul, now a professor of political science at Stanford University, has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s ties with Russia. His new book, From Cold War to Hot Peace, is a revelatory history of Russian-U.S. relations since the collapse of Communism. As Trump and Putin prepared for a planned one-on-one summit in July— news that rattled European and American officials alike—Newsweek spoke to McFaul about Russia’s role in Trump’s rise, Putin’s continued aggression and how Washington’s policies are helping him get stronger.
Where did the U.S. go wrong with Russia? Was it being too soft on Putin after the 2008 invasion of Georgia?
Esta historia es de la edición July 13,2018 de Newsweek.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 13,2018 de Newsweek.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
America's Maternity Hospitals 2024
The arrival of a healthy baby brings unparalleled joy. It's no wonder that families welcoming their newest members are looking for high-quality health care to ensure a smooth delivery and reliable postpartum care.
THE WEST SHOULD EXERT EVERY EFFORT TO MAKE RUSSIA PAY THE HIGHEST PRICE POSSIBLE FOR ITS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
RUSSIA'S FULL-SCALE INVASION of Ukraine in February 2022 awakened the worst memories for Georgians.
RUSSIA'S THREAT TO THE WORLD
As Vladimir Putin begins a fifth term as the nation's president, how safe are other countries from the Kremlin leader?
Nikki Glaser
COMEDIAN NIKKI GLASER NEVER WANTS TO OFFEND. \"I NEVER WANT TO say offensive or raunchy [things] or push the envelope, because that speaks to some kind of comedian who wants to rile people up.\"
Unraveling The Mummy After 25 Years
Its stars thought it would flop. Now a quarter of a century after its release, Arnold Vosloo, Rachel Weisz, Patricia Velásquez and Kevin J. O'Connor reflect on the cult classic
PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS 2024
A COMPANY'S ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE with the public is essential. Managing a firm's reputation, driving interest in its products and limiting damage during times of crisis hinge in large part on the abilities of its public relations professionals.
Work Less, Relax More
Millennials are ready for a four-day week. The younger generation wants to work fewer hours
THE INVISIBLE SCARS OF WAR
The ongoing conflict with Russia has left 10 million Ukrainians affected by mental health conditions. Now, a community-led program is giving citizens the tools they need to help them overcome their trauma
'We Are Facing the Most Complex Security Environment Since - World War II'
Japan's prime minister on security, diplomacy and protecting the rule of law at home, in Asia and around the world
Wildlife Crossings Are a Bear Necessity
Safe passages for animals under or over highways are reducing road collisions and could help them to adapt to climate change by seeking out new habitats