First, he contends that Russians have only known America's foreign policy towards Russia to be focused on the leaders, and not on principles. Russians are in desperate need of a strong principle of the rule of law. Second, Russians are cynical with respect to the West's intentions towards Russia. Expansion of NATO has sent a message to Russia that it is untrustworthy of Western cooperation. While Russia is on a road toward improvement, Kaiser makes it clear that Americans need to be patient with Russian progress.
Democratic transition is a bumpy ride.
A merican prosperity is at a record high and it wields a great deal of influence. However, this position comes with enormous responsibility and American soft and hard power in the world does create problems. Robert Lieber outlines some of the most important challenges facing the United States. The first problem that it faces is the lack of interest for foreign policy in domestic political discussions. The second problem is dealing with allied countries, who, without a unifying issue such as the Cold War, are not as likely to agree blindly with the United States.