President Putin Comes to America: Is an Old Adversary Becoming a New Partner?

The summit meetings between U.S. President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Washington and Crawford, Texas, on November 12-14 come at a potentially pivotal moment in U.S.-Russian relations.

In their first extended meeting, the two presidents will have time to reflect on how the relationship between their two countries can evolve in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. They will explore the nature and extent of the U.S.-Russian partnership in combating the global threat of terrorism.

They may also examine how to move their strategic nuclear relationship onto a new footing, and how to resolve their long-standing differences over missile defense-including modifying, replacing, or amending the ABM Treaty. They will also discuss how to improve their economic relations, including possible Russian membership in the World Trade Organization.

The panelists will deliver brief analyses of these and other issues, and will answer questions.