Vyacheslav Nikonov: "Russia is a great power without which global issues cannot be resolved"

Relations between Russia and the United States in recent months have resembled a roller coaster — from hopes for détente to a return to harsh rhetoric, and back again. Is an intensive dialogue between Moscow and Washington possible? These and other issues were addressed at the National Centre RUSSIA by Vyacheslav Nikonov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. The conversation with the politician was conducted by Roman Romanov, a columnist for the International Experience section of the Vedomosti online edition. The recording has been published on the russia.ru website.

The discussion took place following a recent visit by a State Duma delegation headed by Vyacheslav Nikonov to the United States at the invitation of Anna Paulina Luna, a congresswoman from the US House of Representatives.

"There are members of Congress who understand that Russia is a great power without which it is impossible to resolve global issues and overcome global challenges. That is why they are prepared to show political courage and withstand any political pressure in order to continue this line of engagement. Moreover, part of the American administration is interested in maintaining such contacts," said Vyacheslav Nikonov.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

During the interview, the parliamentarian addressed key challenges on the path towards normalising bilateral relations, the role of parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospects for student, scientific and cultural exchanges. Particular attention was given to sanctions policy and to what Vyacheslav Nikonov described as a "major American problem" — a trust in the United States' own propaganda. The discussion also touched on how to combine dialogue with the development of projects that the US administration considers a threat (in particular, cooperation with China), on centres of influence in the future world, and on why Russia does not intend to abandon its course towards multipolarity.

The full recording of the interview with Vyacheslav Nikonov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, is available on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA.