Russia Will Continue Setting the Agenda

Posted: January 17th, 2017

By Michael Kofman

Mr. Michael Kofman is a Research Scientist at CNA Corporation and a Fellow at the Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, D.C. His research focuses on security issues in Russia and the former Soviet Union, specializing in defense and military analysis. Previously he served at National Defense University as a Program Manager and subject matter expert, advising senior military and government officials on issues in Russia/Eurasia and Pakistan. He has represented the Department of Defense in track one and track two efforts, through military engagement programs and strategic exchanges with Russian officials, along with trilateral dialogues. At NDU he oversaw military-to-military engagements, training programs, and interoperability exercises for senior officers from the US and other countries. He has published articles on security issues in Eurasia, focusing on Russia and Ukraine, along with numerous analyses for the US government. He has also appeared in major television, online, and print media as a commentator and subject matter expert. Mr. Kofman holds a M.A. in International Security from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University and a B.A. in Political Science from Northeastern University.

As Donald Trump prepares to take office, one of his earliest—and most important— foreign policy decisions will be how to move forward with the United States’ bilateral relationship with Russia. Will he pursue something along the lines of Obama’s reset or take a firmer stance? Given the president-elect’s opaque statements on the matter, The Cipher Brief spoke to CNA research scientist and Woodrow Wilson Center fellow Michael Kofman to examine how the incoming administration can employ a cohesive, long-lasting strategy for Russia.

The Cipher Brief: As the dust settles around the revelations of the level of Russian involvement in the DNC hacks and the Obama administration’s announcement of further sanctions on Russia, the incoming Trump administration will inherit a bilateral relationship at its lowest point since the Cold War. How will the new Administration set the tone for the U.S.-Russia relationship?

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