Trump and Russia: No Clear Policy

As we approach President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in the White House, it remains difficult to discern U.S. policy toward Russia.  The Administration has yet to articulate a clear policy, and its actions and words send mixed messages regarding American intentions toward Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

There is a concept in military operations called commander’s intent. Commander’s intent is a simple and concise expression of objectives, enabling troops to make individual and team decisions in the absence of direct orders.  A quote attributed to retired general and former CIA Director David Petraeus sums up the concept: “In the absence of guidance or orders, figure out what the orders should have been and execute them aggressively.”