Russia in Global Affairs

It would be a mistake to bet against America even as its unipolar margin of error declines. For one, the country is in far better shape than Europe and will likely liberalize energy production after the Biden administration ends.

On January 19, 2022, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion dedicated to the consultations between representatives of Russia and the West on security guarantees in Geneva, Brussels and Vienna. The discussion was moderated by Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine.

Liberalism fails when it functions too well as the atomized individual is liberated from all authority and group influence, which causes narcissism, nihilism and the breakdown of the social capital required for the functioning of civic society.

Recent shockwaves in Russian-Ukrainian relations, and the increasing involvement of the US, could prove to be among the most significant milestones in the history of Europe since the end of the Cold War, over three decades ago.

Everyone agrees that US-Russian relations are in a perilous state. No one believes a reset is possible; indeed, neither Moscow nor Washington wants one, so great are the contradictions between them. Both have settled for the less ambitious goal of stabilizing relations to halt, if not reverse, a dangerous downward spiral. That sounds good and responsible. But what does it mean?

Fyodor Lukyanov believes the messy American withdrawal from Afghanistan indicates that the United States intends to focus more narrowly—and more strategically—on national interests worth defending. Join the webinar for a conversation between Lukyanov and Alexandra Vacroux to hear how the Russians are interpreting the U.S. exit from Kabul and the opportunities it may create for Russia.

In reality, Russia has supported (although softer diplomatic language is used) the force in Afghanistan which is the most independent one in the local context. This is a rather consistent step towards building a polycentric and diverse world.

US President Joe Biden’s speech on his country’s withdrawal from Afghanistan is a turning point in American foreign policy. As the last troops pull out, leaving a shattered nation behind, Washington seems to have few regrets.

On July 8, 2021, at 15:00 Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, will take part in an online discussion of European Policy Centre, titled “The Biden-Putin Summit: What Next and What Implications for the EU?”.