ABSTRACT
The dynamics and limitations of the Russiagate scandal in the United States are examined, including a critical assessment of responses, the Steele dossier and the role of Russiagate in shaping the development of American democracy, noting the ‘Trumpification’ of the polity. Building on this, the prosecution of Maria Butina is analysed and its effect on citizen diplomacy. The ecosystem metaphor is applied to the character of Russian interference, with a review of some of the main instruments exposing Russia’s interference, noting the problems with the ‘disinformation’ industry. This has provoked blowback including neo-journalism in the analysis of the Russia scare, where prejudices take the place of dispassionate and informed analysis. The views and experience of Dmitri Simes are examined to illustrate the dilemmas, reviewed in a concluding section on the way that the practices of Cold War II can stifle dissent and robust political dialogue both within the polity and in relations with Russia.
