"Reset" in Russian-U.S. Relations: Tactical Move or Strategic Choice?

The article discusses foreign relations between Russia and the U.S. during the administrations of U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian Presidents Dmitrii Medvedev. The impact of the 2008 global financial crisis on these relations is explained, as is the development of relations between Russia and China. The author notes the success of the U.S.-Russia START III Treaty on nuclear arms reduction and U.S.-Russian rapprochement over the Iranian nuclear program. Other topics discussed include U.S. criticism of human rights in Russia and Russia's admission to the World Trade Organization.