Despite positive overtures between Russia and the United States, the differences of approach between the two powers on the question of Afghanistan may kill this hoped-for partnership of convenience even before it can start.  Let’s break it down in the simplest terms:

• America, under the stewardship of the Obama administration, continues mixing idealism with foreign policy by seeking to security and stability by consolidating the gains of democracy in Afghanistan;
• Russia, on the other hand,  is more inclined to realpolitick, seeking security and stability first, before (or instead of) democracy.

Like two shepherds, America hopes to save as much of the herd as possible; Russia, on the other hand, does not fear sacrificing a sheep to bait and kill the wolf.

For now, however, given the urgency and the magnitude of the country’s problems, both powers should look – and may in fact be looking – towards co-operation, rather than focusing on petty differences.  Successful cooperation between America and Russia would have ramifications beyond Afghanistan, making a successful case study for interstate cooperation in the 21st Century.

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a post series.