Discussion
Russian Reset: Putin Returns
The final panel opened with a videotaped address by Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, the former United States National Security Advisor to President Carter, whose comments suggested long-term optimism but short-term concern over the situation in Russia.
The panel presented a broad spectrum of opinions on Putin’s return. One view suggested putting aside the hubbub of potential reforms to instead “deal with the Russia of today.” Christian Schmidt, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Defence of Germany saw Russia as being in an intermediary phase. Although he disapproved of Russia’s actions with regard to Syria, he insisted that the U.S. and the E.U. needed to help Russia restructure.
Lilia Shevtsova of the Carnegie Endowment in Moscow argued that Russia is in one of the most dramatic periods of its history. She argued that Putin’s return made it clear that Russia had an “outdated” system that “belongs to the 16th Century.” Ms. Shevtsova urged the E.U. to maintain its normative power with regard to Russia.
Artem Malgin of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations presented the opposite perspective. Mr. Malgin viewed Russia as no more authoritarian than many large countries in their history. He also argued that because Putin’s return was beneficial to the West. Because Putin is a known leader, the West’s “plans and actions could be more sophisticated and efficient.”
A lively discussion emerged over the concept of Russian soft power. Lilia Shevtsova and President Ilves of Estonia denounced Russian soft power if it is enacted through bribery and corruption. Other panelists countered this view, suggesting that Russia either already has or can develop legitimate soft power. Scholar Bobo Lo felt that Russia generally took a neo-Hobbesian view, but argued that “Russia has enormous but untapped soft power potential.” If Russia became more liberal, it would be a great example for others in the region.
Topics covered during the discussion included Syria, missile defense, political reforms in Russia, and the European Commission’s investigation of Gazprom.
Featured video moments
Video comment of Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, former United States National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981)
Ms. Lilia Shevtsova, Senior Associate, Carnegie Endowment Moscow
