To renew Russia’s status and influence in regional and global politics “and make the Russian Federation a great power again,” Russian President Vladimir Putin challenges and subverts “America’s posture and interests, relying on three main components,” writes Ilai Saltzman, in an op-ed for yesterday’s Los Angeles Times.
Saltzman, visiting assistant professor of government, goes on to say that, “By positioning Moscow alongside the Bashar Assad government and forcing Obama to blink first, Putin showcased his personal leadership, resolve and willingness to confront the United States. We should expect to see more of this doctrine in action, perhaps in the case of Iran.”