Russia and America in the Asia-Pacific: A New Entente?

Historically, Russia-U.S. political interaction in the Pacific has mostly been defined by the balance of power logic. Moscow and Washington only cooperated when they faced a common threat. In the 1860s it was the British Empire that was seen as such a threat, whereas from the 1920s through the 1940s it was Japan. Today another geopolitical entente of Russia and America might be in the offing, motivated by the rise of China. Such options are already being discussed by Russian experts and are perhaps also being contemplated by strategic planners in Washington. If Russia and the United States are to establish an effective partnership in the Asia-Pacific, they will need to resolve, or at least moderate, their disagreements in other areas, especially in the post-Soviet space. Furthermore, they have to do something about the lack of substantial economic ties as well as bridge the gap in their political identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]