US foreign policy towards the Russian Federation: The constrained Empire

The essay examines the significant geopolitical shifts following the unexpected end of the Cold War in 1989-1990. It highlights the dramatic events, including the independence declarations of the Baltic states and others, culminating in Germany's reunification. By early 1992, the dissolution of the Soviet Union led to the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States, marking a pivotal change in global power dynamics. The Russian Federation's transformation from a superpower to a diminished role in international politics is also discussed, particularly in relation to the United States.