The difference between the speeches of a political figure and a diplomat is that the first one is explosive and entertaining and the other – calm and boring. The stereotype has a certain bearing, for being a show can draw up crowds, but avoiding the sharp angles usually makes people yawn. Fortunately to every case there is an exception, which is not that hard to come across with. William Burns, for instance, Ambassador of the United States in Moscow, embodies the ability to be a diplomat, that’s not a bore to listen to.
His statements are always brief, but substantial and performed in the most unbiased and down-to-earth manner, that the audience unconsciously tends to think him sincere. The official representative of such a country as the US does all his best to make the conversation unstrained and friendly. Perhaps that’s what makes Russians shower him with praises and without second thoughts address the man with the words «Your Excellency». The April, 12 speech was everything of the mentioned, except that it had a new sounding. Perhaps the lecture-hall had to do something with it. What better place can there be for a diplomat to take the floor than the Diplomatic Academy.
Once the cover is described, let’s move on to the contents. The situation today is often called «mutual frustration», when the US is quick to lecture, preach and criticize and Russia seems to have a build-in skepticism and hostility. There could be all possible consequences to that tention– slipping backwards to another Cold War or reviving just one of its elements – arm’s race. Such a scenario won’t be profitable to anyone, simply because America and Russia matter to one another.
Being different in so many ways, we have some similarities. We’re both huge countries with a common frontier tradition, connected with not only exploring our own territory, but outer space as well. Russian and American societies, being multicultural and multireligious, are both known for their diversity. And last, but not least, Russia and America possess the same comparable nuclear power. Basically being alike should prompt understanding and similar interests. Russia is the world’s largest producer of oil and gas and the USA is their biggest consumer. To activate the relationship we have to find common grounds, and they are the following: nuclear cooperation, solving regional conflicts, taking part in science and global issues, and the so-called «exchange programs», which leave the governments out.
All these trends exist and can considerably renew the partnership between the two countries. But do common interests always lead to partnership? If we look at the 200 years of Russian-American relationship we won’t find many examples of cooperation on equal terms. In the 18th century Russia was already an empire, yet America was at the beginnings of its development. Now the situation is quite opposite. The USA is the superpower and Russia is at the beginning of its post soviet development. The only time the terms were equal was during the Cold War, but that was of competition, not cooperation. Is equal partnership possible or will it inevitably lead to confrontation?
Strangely, but the intensity of Russian-American relations was at its peak exactly during the Cold War. It let’s hope that we’re not «doomed» to hostility. Yet the thing that should determine the bilateral relations is mutual respect. «We mustn’t take each other for granted» - so let us follow Mr. Burn’s example and be optimistic, but in a sober way, not only hoping for the best, but doing all possible to make it come to life.
