ABSTRACT
This chapter considers international relations theory after the Cold War and its impact in informing policy on Russia. It discusses the first Bush administration's approach to Russia, and the legacy it bequeathed to the incoming Clinton administration. In the first year of office, the Clinton administration developed their own strategy on Russia, and thirdly, this is detailed before being analysed using the presidential framework. The three schools, in varying degrees, exercised influence in shaping the political debate over what to do about Russia in the post-Cold War era. Whilst optimists and pessimists projected best and worst case scenarios for the new era a third group, the pragmatists, argued for the art of the possible. The optimistic school most clearly reflected the aspirations of the first Bush presidency in its relations with Russia. Under George H. Bush's watch the Cold War came to an end and the US emerged as the pre-eminent world power.
