By: Jonathan Bogen

As Joe Biden stood at the U.S. Capitol to be inaugurated as the 46th President, America watched hopeful for a different, more cooperative tomorrow. Two months later, relations between the United States and Russia are continuing to devolve, reinforcing a contentious, bitter dynamic that emphasizes domination over dialogue. How did we get here, and what can be done to ensure that, in terms of US-Russo relations, America is truly moving forward?

Throughout the divisive 2020 election, then-nominee Biden was almost forced to take a tough stance on Russia in order to address issues involving election interference and their outright hostility towards the American military. Republicans feared Biden would “be too soft” on Russia and China and, in turn, destroy American influence worldwide. Though he did propose extending several arms control agreements, only the New START treaty has been addressed. In an effort to increase bipartisanship, President Biden prioritized full-force pressure over potentially losing his across-the-aisle appeal. Examples of such behavior include labeling President Putin as a killer following the Navalny controversy and nominating executive officials, such as William Burns as CIA director, who have taken an explicitly harsh stances on Russian economic expansion. Unsurprisingly, Russian officials have not taken too kindly to this brazen continuation of American hostility. In fact, for the first time in more than twenty years, the Kremlin recalled its ambassador to the United States, potentially creating dangerous obstructions to diplomacy. Tensions have once again hit an all time high and, with each administration, the bar keeps going higher. Without a shift in foreign policy strategy nearly unforeseen in American history, a return to the destructive Cold War dynamics that dominated the 20th century is essentially inevitable.

Although a miracle is necessary to salvage Russian-American amicability, miracles are not unprecedented in our shared history. Former President Gorbachev’s rise to power in the Soviet Union is the clearest example that it only takes one individual, one outstretched hand of friendship, to revolutionize foreign policy. The first and most insidious obstruction we face in achieving a strong bond with Russia is rhetoric. Although Russia’s undemocratic actions to minimize dissent must be addressed, naming President Putin a “killer” accomplishes little beyond infuriating the Russian government.  Russians’ individual freedoms remains astonishingly restricted, but now the United States is in a less advantageous position to push for human rights reform. Just as Gorbachev’s initiation of dialogue eventually forced President Reagan to abandon his verbal assault of the Soviet Union, American diplomats must reopen communication channels with Russia and must ignore temptations to engage in ad hominem attacks. This eliminates many excuses to continuously delay negotiations and reinforces the basic concept that diplomacy fundamentally entails professionalism. The most potent manner to achieve the democratic future we envision for Russia would be to first rebuild lost rapport by renewing our dismantled arms control agreements. Not only will this give the United States and Russia a forum where issues beyond arms control can be discussed, but it will also increase international stability by limiting nuclear proliferation. Once this fundamental step is taken successfully, the United States can use its strategic power to force Russia to face the reality that its people are suffering, its foreign policy is destabilizing, and its governing doctrines are ineffective at best. America cannot reason with a nation that has locked itself behind a door of distrust. Only with communication can we leverage meaningful change for Russia and its people.