The deterioration of relations between Moscow and Washington did not happen overnight, the historian said. The important factor here has been the fact that Russia has refused to "come to terms" with the dominance of the West near its borders, and that US President Barack Obama has been pursuing a very "inconsistent policy".
"US foreign policy during Obama's presidency will be assessed as a phase of retreat and relative weakness. Although he had inherited the difficult legacy of the unpopular wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, he has hardly achieved any improvements, having made serious mistakes in the assessment of the situation," the expert said.
According to the expert, Moscow, for its turn, has all reasons to say that it has become an important global player involved in the resolution of international problems.
"Putin is playing the 'Great Game' that has been played by major power for centuries. Especially in Germany we have forgotten how to think in these categories," the expert noted.
A new low point in relations between Russia and the US was reached after the United States suspended bilateral dialogue with Russia on finding a solution to the conflict in Syria on Monday. The relations between the two countries deteriorated after a US-Russian brokered ceasefire deal collapsed within a week.
