Russia and the United States do not have a solid economic foundation for stable relations, which explains the recent diplomatic crisis between our countries. Current tensions are also due to the fact that the reset agenda has been exhausted. All that could be done has already been done.

       Timofei Bordachev, director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies, discusses the major directions of Russian-US relations following the appointment of John Kerry as US secretary of state.

       Do you think it is possible to overcome the intense politicization of Russian-US trade and economic relations?

       Regrettably, at this point Russia and the United States do not have a solid economic foundation for stable relations, which explains the recent diplomatic crisis between our countries. Current tensions are also due to the fact that the reset agenda has been exhausted. All that could be done has already been done. Now the main task facing Moscow and Washington is to decide on which particular issues their further relations will be based. This explains the fraught and difficult atmosphere in our bilateral relationship, though the situation is far from tragic. It is a working relationship, though fairly tense.

       We could work together constructively in the Arctic, Siberia and the Far East, and on the security and politics in the Asia-Pacific Region. There is a limitless number of interesting possibilities for solid and productive bilateral relations, but for the time being neither Russia nor the United States have an idea what kind of foundation to develop them on.

       Is there cause to hope for visa-free travel between Russia and the United States?

       Russia and the United States have already made considerable progress on this front. In 2012, they enacted an agreement easing visa procedures for tourists and business people. Compared to the European Union, where both sides violate their agreements, and the process of getting a visa involves tiresome red tape and endless delays, we do not have such problems with the United States. It is abundantly clear that in the long term, we will reach an agreement on visa-free travel with the United States.

       What role does the Syrian conflict play in Russian-US relations? Are Russia’s naval maneuvers in the Eastern Mediterranean linked with preparations for more aggressive scenarios in the region?

       Obviously, the Syrian conflict is a lost case as a means to improve bilateral relations. But our relationship will not suffer much, because the United States is unlikely to risk a military intervention in Syria. Regrettably, it is already too late for any productive or mutually beneficial cooperation on this issue.

       As for the presence of the Russian fleet off Syria’s shores, it does not suggest any military actions or intentions. These are simply scheduled war games.

       Views expressed are of individual Members and Contributors, rather than the Club's, unless explicitly stated otherwise.