How Trump Thinks He Can Outsmart Putin: Atlantic

Former and current members of US President Donald Trump’s inner circle are not doves when it comes to Russia. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has had harsh words for the Russian president and his influence in Venezuela, for instance. The command in chief himself, however, stands alone in his outwardly manifested trust in Vladimir Putin. Trump supporters explain this “good-cop, bad-cop” scheme is intended to coax the Kremlin into satisfying American objectives. Previous Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama did not have a good track record by attempting warm relations with Russia, explain Peter Nicholas and Kathy Gilsinan for the Atlantic. Furthermore, the president’s praise for Putin, by appearing at odds with his own diplomats, undermines US policies. Trump’s rhetoric also befuddles NATO allies who look to the United States as the goalpost for foreign policy with Russia. One former US ambassador notes that good relations with Russia carries a price. – YaleGlobal