ABSTRACT
The progressive inclusion of Russia in the expanding transatlantic community is the necessary component of any long-term United States (US) strategy to consolidate stability on the Eurasian mega-continent. The domestic crisis threatens the well-being of the Russian people; the imperial collapse, while posing a potential geopolitical challenge, confuses, tempts and frustrates the country's political elite—an elite that was not only doctrinally stupefied, but at times also lethally purged. Russia's relative openness has made the Russian people quite aware of the truly enormous gap separating their condition from that of their West European neighbors. Top military leaders are also particularly strong proponents of re-established Russian political power in a new "Eurasian union." The US should also expand its visitor programs for younger Russian political and economic aspirants. The reorientation of Russia's outlook will be delayed if Russia's political leadership gains the impression that its priorities can be successfully pursued, especially in the space of the former Soviet Union.
