Vladimir Putin has proven to be a genius in the art of the deal at international level. He’s outlasted five U.S. presidents, eight UK prime ministers, three Chinese leaders and six NATO chiefs. His tenure has been characterized by off-table, personal negotiations between these leaders. This may seem like a small move, but it illustrates an impressive depth of understanding of international politics. This complicated relationship has underscored the misunderstandings that have always existed between the U.S. and Russia.
Putin’s approach to all diplomacy is complex. He is often described as a deeply prepared and detailed tactician. His knack for winning friends and infuriating people has turned charm and intimidation into a signature amateur-hour tactic of his TIF negotiations. His years as a KGB spy granted him profound understandings of human relations. He sometimes humorously dubs this ability “get along with people.”
In this article we explore some Putin’s strategies for diplomacy and past confrontations with U.S. presidents. It looks at the consequences of his deep-seated ambitions for Russia’s place in the world.
Long-Standing Diplomatic Engagements
Vladimir Putin’s history as a leader features numerous high-stakes diplomatic engagements that have shaped international relations over the past two decades. Ever since he first took office in 2000, he’s artfully walked to the other side of an evolving political landscape. He has longstanding impressed himself as a skilled foil to U.S. presidents.
Notably, Putin was the first world leader to reach out to George W. Bush following the September 11 attacks in 2001. This opening move represented a magical moment of bipartisanship. This friendship did not last long, as different visions of Russia’s place in the world soon took shape. Angela Stent, an expert on U.S.-Russia relations, stated:
“I think the real reason for the collapse of that reset was because Putin wanted the United States to treat Russia as an equal and to recognize that it has a right to a sphere of influence in the post-Soviet states. And that’s not what the Bush administration was prepared to do.”
Putin’s craving for equal treatment continues to this day, with consequences on his engagement with today’s U.S. leadership. Every U.S. administration has come into office hoping to reset relations with Russia. Very soon, they find themselves in the net of the terrible intricacies of the Kremlin leader’s diplomatic psyche. According to Sam Greene:
“Every US administration in my memory has come in with some idea that they’re going to reset – they all use that word – the relationship with Russia, that they have an opportunity to turn the page and start again. And they have always been wrong.”
Putin is still intent on building diplomatic relations — just not on Washington’s terms.
Mastery of Detail in Negotiations
Further complicated this process, and somewhat ironically, was Putin’s reputation as a careful negotiator. Almost by instinct, he employs detail and psychological warfare to bolster his “tough-guy” persona. What’s more, he treats even the most naive and misinformed critics with an admirable talent for making his case. His premeditated grandstanding ultimately endears and frightens at the same time.
For instance, during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, he allowed his Labrador to approach her despite her known fear of dogs. This act was not purely personal impulse. It demonstrated a wider vision that belies his profound insight into the American electorate’s behavior amid negotiations. Kalina Zhekova notes:
“This was indicative of Putin’s calculated ‘tit-for-tat’ approach that views diplomacy as a game with winners and losers.”
Such behaviors highlight his awareness of the psychological elements at play in international relations, allowing him to leverage personal interactions for political gain.
Furthermore, Putin’s experience in the KGB has given him training on the human psyche that guides his diplomatic endeavors. He’s brilliant at spotting his opponents’ weak points. Through his ample political career, he’s honed his craft using tactics that take advantage of these soft spots.
The Global Perspective on US-Russia Relations
Vladimir Putin views international politics through a great power lens. He views the world as divided between great powers. He defends, with great zeal, Russia’s acceptance as an equal player in this global stage. This view is consistent with recent comments made by Donald Trump on great power competition.
Putin’s goal is to take advantage of narratives that may already be on the ground with geopolitical realignment. He is eroding Russia’s longstanding leadership on the global stage.
“Trump talks about great power competition (between China and the US), that he should be able to take over Canada and Greenland, and Panama, and from Putin’s point of view, that’s okay. Remember, he hasn’t criticized Trump for any of these things.”
Additionally, experts like Thomas Graham suggest an alternative approach to U.S.-Russia relations, advocating for “competitive coexistence” rather than outright confrontation. He explains:
Such perspectives underscore the need for nuanced engagement between the U.S. and Russia, recognizing their respective interests without escalating tensions into military confrontations.
“It’s important to remember that there are different ways of rivalry… we could have something that I like to call competitive coexistence, where the competition is largely in an economic, commercial, cultural, ideological, diplomatic realm.”
Such perspectives underscore the need for nuanced engagement between the U.S. and Russia, recognizing their respective interests without escalating tensions into military confrontations.
