Conflict Harming Relations

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  "authors": [
    "James F. Collins"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
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  "englishNewsletterAll": "ctw",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "russia",
  "programs": [
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  "regions": [
    "North America",
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In The Media

Conflict Harming Relations

The Russia-Georgia crisis has caused a substantial erosion in Russia-U.S. relations. In order to move forward in such a challenging diplomatic environment, the United States should fully support the French initiative to achieve a cease fire.

By James F. Collins

Published on Aug 14, 2008

Source: CNN International

The Russia-Georgia crisis has caused a substantial erosion in Russia-U.S. relations. Additionally, the situation has no doubt created a challenging diplomatic moment. On CNN International, Amb Ret. Jim Collins argues that in order to implement a cease-fire, the United States should fully support the French initiative. Additionally, he argues a resolution to this conflict will have to involve an agreement that addresses both the interests of Russia, as well as, Georgia.

Although the situation is grim, Collins does hope that something positive may come out of it- that the dialogue between Russia and the United States will no longer be focused on the zero-sum thinking that has long dominated it in the past.

About the Author

James F. Collins

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program; Diplomat in Residence

Ambassador Collins was the U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation from 1997 to 2001 and is an expert on the former Soviet Union, its successor states, and the Middle East.

Recent Work

Article
Daunting Challenges and Glimmers of Hope in Ukraine
- James F. Collins
Commentary
The Game Changer: Cooperative Missile Defense
- Dmitri Trenin, James F. Collins

Security Foreign Policy North America United States Caucasus Russia Georgia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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