ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the Russo-American dispute over the Bush administration's war against Iraq. It focuses on the following: Russian perceptions of US aims in Iraq; Russian opposition to the US; the return of the language of multipolarity by the Kremlin; the Russo-German-French joint opposition to the war; and the aftermath of the war for US-Russian relations. Although the post-September 11th Russo-American partnership reportedly remained strong, there were a number of events leading up to the Iraq crisis which illustrated that there were still potential problems. In addition to reviving discussions of multipolarity, America's intention to invade Iraq also renewed questions of Russia's status in the international system. Discussions of the need for global multipolarity increased significantly after the fall of Iraq. The logic which purportedly served as the basis of Russia's grand strategy shift, Russia's persistent weakness in the face of a preeminent United States, remains largely secure.
