1. US Interests & Regional Issues in Russia & Soviet Republics
Overview & Objectives
KNOW:
Impact of the restructured Russian economic system on worldwide democracy
Challenges of nuclear threats, nonproliferation, & missile defense
Effects on U.S. caused by Russian oil production & distribution
Importance of cooperation in space b/w Russia & U.S.
Chapter 4, Lesson 5

2. Background Throughout 20th Century Soviet Union was our nemesis
Based most of National Defense for 40 years on
Nuclear standoff w/ Soviets
No longer considered major enemy
Still a formidable power
U.S. now trying to establish relationship w/ region

3. Impact of Restructured Russian Economic System on Worldwide Democracy
During Cold War, there was never a “hot war” b/w U.S. & Soviet Union
But many hot wars carried out by the two superpowers’ proxies
That era now ended & is significant for world peace
Chapter 4, Lesson 5
Melanie Stetson Freeman / © 1992 The Christian Science Monitor

4. Impact of Restructured Russian Economic System on Worldwide Democracy
Breakup of Soviet Union took place a/g a backdrop of a rise in free trade around the world
Many countries joined:
European Union (EU)
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
South America’s Mercosur
Melanie Stetson Freeman / © 2008 The Christian Science Monitor
Chapter 4, Lesson 5

5. Nuclear Threats, Nonproliferation, & Missile Defense
Following Soviet Union’s collapse…
Were Nukes secure?
Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) helps Russia & former Soviet republics control & protect their nuclear weapons
Russia & U.S. announced Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism
75 nations signed up
Russia also cooperating w/ U.S. in keeping nuclear weapons out of North Korea & Iran
FBI director Robert Mueller speaks at Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism International Law Enforcement Conference June 11, 2007 in Miami

6. Effects on US Caused by Russian Oil Production & Distribution
Russia is world’s 2nd largest crude oil producer & exporter
Russia’s oil & gas reserves give it a certain amount of geopolitical leverage
U.S. could at some point need to turn to Russia for oil
Chapter 4, Lesson 5
Robert Harbison / © 1997 The Christian Science Monitor

7. Importance of Cooperation in Space b/w Russia and US
Test Project U.S. & Soviet Union working together in space?
Apollo-Soyuz
Video1 Video 2
1st international manned spaceflight
Chapter 4, Lesson 5
R. Norman Matheny / © 1990 The Christian Science Monitor

8. Importance of Cooperation in Space b/w Russia & U.S.
International Space Station (ISS)
Largest international science project in space
Involves not only U.S. & Russia, but also 14 other countries
Purpose is primarily research