US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is visiting Moscow to discuss plans to establish a global anti-missile defense system though the two countries are quarreling over the establishment of such facilities in central Europe. It remains to be seen whether the visit will be a success.

On April 16, the US Department of State and Agency for International Development (USAID) issued its "Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2007 to 2012", which listed countering Russian "negative behaviors" as one of Washington's diplomatic priorities over the next five years. To resist Russian energy diplomacy, the US will establish an energy security mechanism bringing Georgia, the Ukraine and Modova closer to the EU and NATO. The US has also accused Russia of selling weapons to Iran, Syria and Venezuela.

On April 5, the US Department of State released a report entitled "Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: the US Record 2006". The report accused Russia of violating human rights and breaking away from the principle of democracy. It also claimed that US support for some Russian organizations last year had yielded initial results. That support will continue so as to influence the State Duma and presidential elections scheduled for this year and next.

The two reports are quite provocative. This is the first time since the end of the Cold War that the US has openly admitted to giving financial support to anti-government groups within Russia, as well as the first time it has openly made coping with challenges from Moscow a diplomatic focus.

The two houses of Russian parliament issued statements on April 13, accusing Washington of "meddling in Russia's internal affairs". The Russian government responded with much more restraint. Security Council chief Igor Ivanov said on April 17 that currently there is no possibility of a Cold War between Russia and the US, as differences between them are on "tactical" levels such as press freedoms, human rights and political process of some CIS states; there are no major disagreements at strategic levels such as anti-terrorism, and the relationship has good long-term prospects.

Indeed, although there is much friction between the US and Russia, they still manage to cooperate on many issues. They have a bilateral strategic interest in doing so. During Putin's tenure, Russia's main goal has been to revitalize the country and resume its former status as a world player, but the US has not embraced this. The US is attempting to maintain hegemony in international affairs and is not happy to see Russia reappearing on the world stage, nor is it comfortable with the potential challenge from Russia. To prevent the rise of Russia, strategically the US will try to pressure and weaken Russia. Even so, US-Russian relations will not deteriorate to the way they were during the Cold War. The two nations will not be as hostile as before, nor is their likely to be a weapons race. They need to cooperate on matters such as anti-terrorism, anti-nuclear proliferation, and the Iranian and North Korean nuclear issues. Their economic ties are also increasing.

Overall, US-Russian relations will follow much the same pattern they have over the last decade - both cooperation and friction will characterize their relationship.

By People's Daily Online