08 January 2008

GPPi Fellow comments on global issues in 2008

GPPI Fellow Sergey Lagodinsky was once again a studio commentator on the topic of "2008: What are this year's global issues?" for the Deutsche Welle TV program "Quadriga".

Asked for an outlook for the year 2008, Sergey responded that the upcoming two years will be the years of truth in the global relations, especially between Russia and the West. With a change of people in charge in both Russia and the United States, the upcoming years will demonstrate whether the tensions that we have been witnessing between the two countries during the past months are of a lasting systemic nature or will relax following the changes of both administrations. At the same time, Sergey does not expect that a possible Democratic administration in the United States will be more tolerant towards a Russian government rolldown on freedoms, while the main challenge for Dmitry Medvedev might be to attempt a diplomacy less based on threats and ultimatums and more on self-confident openness of the country.

At the same time, Sergey does not think that President Putin is seriously considering switching to the position of Russian Prime Minister. He stated, "Putins rejection of power redistribution between President and Prime minister has demonstrated that Putin is not intending to head the government. His decision to accept Medvedev's offer to become a prospective prime-minister is largely tactical maneuver aimed at increasing Medvedev’s presidential chances." He added, "Medvedev has been purposefully chosen by Putin’s team as a weak President, a move that will give them a real opportunity to continue to rule the country from behind his back."

To view the program in English, please click here.

To view the program in German, please click here.

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