Reorganization of the global security architecture: What did Obama and Medwedew agree upon?

Wednesday 08. July 08:30 - 10:00
Location: DGAP, Berlin

 

The visit of US-president Barack Obama from the 6th to the 8th of July 2009 in Moscow was aimed at establishing a new American-Russian relationship based on cooperation. Which were the results of the meeting? How far are the positions away from each other? Which role does the Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin play? These questions were discussed by the experts Alexander Rahr, program director Russia/ Eurasia at DGAP, and Dr. Josef Braml, program officer transatlantic relations at DGAP, at an “Early Bird Breakfast“ on 8th of July 2009 in the facilities of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). The event which was titled “Reorganization of the global security architecture: What did Obama and Medwedew agree upon?”, was moderated by Prof. Dr. Eberhard Sandschneider, Otto Wolff-director of the research institute.

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The expert on Russia, Alexander Rahr, and the US-specialist Dr. Josef Braml agreed that the visit of the American president in Moscow demonstrates a sign of willingness to cooperate. “Obama needs the support of the Russian president to face the current problems in Iran and Afghanistan”, Alexander Rahr said. In Rahrs point of view, Russia is interested in a serious new start, since Obama and Medwedew are part of a younger generation and do not share the mentality of the Cold War. As far as the question of nuclear disarmament is concerned, some process has already been achieved, Rahr said.

The problem is that Russia and the USA have different world views, the US-expert Dr. Josef Braml said. Obama regards the world as unipolar with the US on the top, whereas Medwedew tries to strengthen the Russian position as one important actor among others in the world. Furthermore, differences in the attitudes of the two presidents exist towards the UN and the NATO, Braml said. The American government wants to strengthen the role of the NATO and provide new skills in the handling of failed states. The Russian government regards this idea as a rival towards the UN which would weaken also their position of power, since Russia has the possibility of a veto within the UN- Security Council.

According to Rahr, the American government has recognized that Medwedew follows a more liberal course und does not continue Putins conservative politics. Therefore, it is not advisable to play Medwedew off against Putin, because Medwedew depends from Putin in all his decisions.