The looming departure of Putin from the presidency of his country raises questions as to the conduct of relations with Russia. Putin has shown an aggressive stance in retaliation for placement of American missiles in the Czech Republic by resuming flights of long range bomber patrols and he has refused to go along with America’s plans for Kosovo independence. Putin told the Chinese and Japanese governments his successor would continue his policies of reaching out in friendship to Asian nations.
Putin has surrounded himself with former members of the Russian secret police– the KGB– and there is strong feeling whoever follows him in the office of the president will be one of his KGB cronies. The former KGB clique resents Russia’s loss of power and wants to make the world aware their nation is a leading power. Every time Bush tries to demonstrate his macho approach to foreign policy, it simply makes the Putin crown become even firmer in maintaining their policies. They will not be bullied by Bush. An important step towards normalizing relations would be for America to sponsor Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization which is a high priority for Putin.
