Timur Islamov. Exclusively to VK
“Despite a very tense situation in the world, the problems of forming and reforming of the states of former Soviet Europe and Asia, terrorist threat, and other challenges of the 21st century, the passed epoch of confrontation between two superpowers seems to be a nightmare,” the expert in the sphere of Cold War and the CIS countries, the professor of Harvard University, Mark Cramer, stated at the meeting with students of Russian State University for Humanities.
Kramer noted a progress in relations between the US and Russia since the dissolution of the two-polar system and paid attention to improvement of the global security due to mutual reduction of nuclear armaments. “After the Caribbean crisis of 1962 the world felt a real threat to the planet’s existence. The horrible armament race imposed by the ideological confrontation held the world in tension,” Cramer said. Recalling his youth which coincided with one of the most dramatic pages of the confrontation between the United State and the Soviet Union – the Caribbean crisis, the professor emphasized importance of breakthrough in the relations between former opponents in the late 20 century.
Relying on his experience and knowledge in the sphere of international relations, the history of Cold War and the former Soviet countries, Cramer believes that the greatest challenge of the 21st century is internal and external terrorism. Despite relevant optimism and a positive view on the end of Cold War, Cramer stated on an increase of de facto nuclear powers as a factor of a security threat, including India, Pakistan, and probably possessors – Iran and North Korea. “In the context of the growing threat of terrorism it worries the whole civilized world,” Cramer said.
He also pointed out possible negative consequences of recognition of Kosovo by the US and Europe, emphasizing that “NATO’s intervention to Serbia” was a mistake. Commenting on the conflict in Syria, the Professor said that he “didn’t think the Russian position on Syria was right.” As for the US, Cramer thinks that “despite loud statements by Mitt Romney on Russia, in case of his election to the position of the US president, the policy towards Russia wouldn’t change significantly. But I believe, Barack Obama is a more appropriate candidate for this role.” The professor is sure that the American citizens are interested in the candidates’ proposals on decrease of the unemployment rate and the state debt of the US.
