John Miglietta in today's Tennessean (May 23)

Kudos to neighbor, SPNA steering committee member and TSU professor John Miglietta (above), who has a column on American-Russian relations in today's issue of The Tennessean. Here's an excerpt:

While it may seem that the two countries are headed toward a new period of hostility, this does not have to be the case. Both countries have interests in common, such as combating terrorism and having mutually beneficial trade relations. Policymakers in Washington need to be sensitive to Russian security concerns about the growth of American political, economic, and especially military presence in former areas of Russian control and influence.

Also, it is easy in elections to demonize a potential adversary to gain political advantages. All parties must be careful to avoid rhetoric and actions that could disrupt relations.

Both the U.S. and Russia have taken steps to tone down their rhetoric. Let us hope this could be continued and be translated into their policies, as well.

Good work, John!