«A Very Dangerous Principle»: Wasserman Reveals Who Set America and Russia at loggerheads

Trump did not get involved in a life-or-death struggle

Relations between the US and Russia in recent years have left much to be desired. Many doubt that there will be a warming of relations between our countries in connection with the possible arrival of Donald Trump in the White House. It is fair to recall that sanctions against our country in the US were seriously tightened precisely during Trump's presidency. The eminent scholar and State Duma deputy Anatoly Wasserman told MK about who set Russia and America against each other and what kind of relations with the US to expect in the future.

Photo: AGN «Moscow»

– Under Trump, American restrictions on interaction with Russia have indeed tightened sharply, – says Anatoly Aleksandrovich. – But it was not he who tried. These restrictions were introduced by the parliament, where at that time not only the deputies from the Democratic Party sabotaged any attempts by Trump to do something useful for his country by all means available to them, but also a considerable number of deputies from the Republican Party behaved in approximately the same way. And most of Trump’s efforts during his presidency were spent precisely on purging the Republican Party of his obvious opponents. The restrictions that were introduced in relation to Russia then came not from Trump, but from his opponents. I believe that Trump, if he becomes president again, will focus not on inflating conflicts, but will act in completely different ways.

The phrase “The winner takes all” is very popular in the United States, – continues Wasserman. – This principle is actually very dangerous. It forces one to fight for victory at any cost and in any way, including clearly criminal ones. As far as I can tell, Trump never followed this formula in his business practices. He tried to look for mutually beneficial solutions so as not to get drawn into a life-or-death struggle. When he became president, he behaved in approximately the same style. He was always looking for negotiations and compromises, both in domestic policy and in appearance. Many in the US consider such behavior a sign of weakness. But I think it is a sign of strength. Roughly speaking, I can earn so much that I have no reason to interfere with others. I hope that the possible second coming of Trump will be an era that is, if not entirely conflict-free, then at least less conflict-free. And, of course, I hope that the US will try to find common ground with Russia.