John McCain and Sarah Palin’s Russia Advisor and Ford Motor Company Vice President, Steve Biegun.
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"I have seen no proof that President Medvedev is an independent figure"
// John McCain's Adviser dwells on the future of U.S.-Russian relations
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama continues forming his administration. While its structure is yet unknown, one of his recent opponents told Kommersant about the outlook for U.S.-Russian relations. John McCain and Sarah Palin’s Russia Advisor, Steve Biegun, told Mikhail Zygar why the Republican candidate urged to exclude Russia from the G8 and why NATO’s expansion to the east can be beneficial to Russia.
“In Russia there is enormous mistrust towards America. Is the U.S. planning to do anything about it?”
“Yes, I consider that we need to work seriously. And though I do not agree with the reasons Russia puts forward opposing ABM, I understand this point of view. I think that it is necessary to persuade the Russian government in a polite manner, rather than pretend that this point of view does not exist at all. The U.S. should involve Russia in addressing challenges, instead of discouraging it. I hope that the new U.S. administration will manage to do it. However, to restore relations, it is necessary that the Russian government should want it. We cannot make it alone.”
“You are talking about involving Russia, but at the same time excluding it from the G8 was the most known Russia-related idea of senator McCain.”
“It is not excluding Russia from the G8 that was Senator McCain’s key aim. In his view, the G8 should consist of the countries which adhere to democratic standards and jointly participate in the global economy. And this is not only Senator McCain’s opinion; many experts in the USA and all over the world think that in recent years democracy in Russia has been deteriorating. There is almost no opposition, justice is selective, and there is an increase in control over the Internet. It is not someone's biased opinion; it is how the world sees Russia.
Some say that there are other ways to shift Russia in the right direction. Some say that the criticism will do harm only. Others consider that it is a home concern of the Russian government. Others were made deaf because of the possibility to do business in Russia. Sometimes energy dependence on Russia forces some people to be afraid that criticism can damage their interests. There are a whole lot of reasons why many have lost voice. But Senator McCain has always been the person of honor and principles. Therefore, when asked about Russia, he freely speaks about things many people pretend not to notice: democracy’s deterioration. If today the world powers were to decide on admitting Russia to the G8, they would turn it down. When Russia was invited in the G8, it was a part of efforts to involve Russia in global politics and economy. Then there was a strong desire to endorse Boris Yeltsin and his government. Unfortunately, being in G8, it has not shown any progress in advancing democracy. But, I would like to reiterate we do not want to exclude Russia, we just want it to be a worthy member of the G8 and observe democratic principles.”
“As you have said, many people consider that criticism of Russia only aggravates the situation deepening its isolation. So will the USA criticize Russia?”
“It is necessary to do both. Patience and good will are needed. On the one hand, it is impossible to punish Russia or to dictate our policy to Russians. But on the other hand, there is no good will on the part of Russia. To restore trust, much time is required.”
George Bush and Vladimir Putin's relations appeared very friendly. But they brought no results to either party. Actually it is always necessary to openly say that you disagree — we should tell Russia the truth, just like the whole world and our allies criticize us when they want. We do not argue that Putin is unpopular, after all, and we do not deny that he has done a lot. He restored order in a very chaotic situation. I lived in Russia in the 1990s. Criminality, poverty and inequality were a norm. Such despair was in the USA only during Great Depression. Then Vladimir Putin restored order, but he sacrificed democracy. And in the long run it is very dangerous.
It would be harmless, if Mr Putin was an interim figure: if he had restored stability in Russia, and then the country had been back on the transformation track, even under a younger President, such as Dmitry Medvedev. Perhaps it would have been possible to say that there were excesses, but, at least, the situation stabilized. But now we do not know how the story will end. Prime Minister Putin seems no interim figure at all. And there are much more excesses than order.”
“How the U.S. policy towards Russia can change under President Obama?”
“In recent years the USA was perceived in the world as if we always acted alone, without paying attention to other’ opinion. It was not only the Kremlin’s viewpoint, but also that of the Champs Elysée, and Downing Street. And the new President is a new opportunity to develop closer ties with partners and allies. President Obama will have an opportunity form his image anew. This is the advantage of democratic elections. Those problems that arose with the Bush administration will not be forgotten, but all the same it will be a new start.
President Obama will co-operate with Russia in arms control, trade and investments. Like President Bush, he will treat Russia as a serious country and an important player in the world. Maybe he will find a common language with President Medvedev. But of course, it depends on to what extent President Medvedev is an independent figure, independent from Prime Minister Putin. I haven’t seen any proof of it yet.”
“Perhaps Barack Obama will see soul in Dmitry Medvedev’s eyes?”
“I hope not. They both represent a new generation. In Russia there are concerns that the U.S. policy is conducted by cold-war-times people. Now such doubts might be resolved. President Obama does not have much experience, but I wish the new President all best.”
“Will the USA overhaul its policy concerning Post-Soviet countries under the new President?”
“I do not think that the CIS will be regarded as Russia’s exclusive interest zone. Intrusion into Georgia cost Russia too much — and not only from Americans’ viewpoint. And the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia only aggravated it. Russia was supported by Nicaragua and Belarus only. Though even Alexander Lukashenko did not recognize their independence. It is a shame. The intrusion into Georgia cost Russia its reputation.”
“But not everywhere. In the Arab countries, for example, Russia image was not damaged by that war. And in other countries, where Antiamericanism is strong, too.”
“Yes, I think, what it was welcomed in Venezuela, Cuba, Belarus, Northern Korea… And does Russia really want these countries’ support? I cannot believe that the Russian government is blissfully unaware of reality and is truly glad to have the support of the dictator, who has been reigning in Cuba for 50 years.
But at the same time both parties should avoid nervous reaction. If Russia wishes to have joint drills with Chavez – OK. Go ahead. We are not sure that the Russian fleet can reach so far, but if it can – I wish you good luck. We don’t mind it.”
“What is the outlook for Georgia and Ukraine’ integration in NATO?”
“Sovereign states, Ukraine and Georgia have all corresponding rights. And the USA should support these countries’ free choice clearly and openly. But it should be their choice.
I do not think that there is anyone in the Russian Government that admits Georgia and Ukraine’s joining NATO to be beneficial to Russia. But I believe that if Russia borders on stable, well-off, secure countries, Russia will benefit from it. Georgia, Ukraine or any other NATO country pose no threat to Russia. Therefore, when I hear Russian politicians shout that a threat will arise if there will be a NATO country bordering on Russia, I look at the map. Since 1949 Norway, bordering on Russia in Murmansk area, has been a NATO member. And it has never posed any threats to the USSR or Russia. It is a matter of Russia’s feeling offended because of its inability exercise political control over the Soviet Union’s former territories. I think that it will be difficult to abandon this feeling. The Russian Government and people should make a choice themselves. But we should also apply efforts to convince them.”
Mikhail Zygar
All the Article in Russian as of Nov. 14, 2008
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