What is it like to study the United States from inside Russia? How has Russia’s pivot to the East reshaped its global strategy? And what does it mean for Russia to define itself as a Eurasian power?

In this episode, we speak with Dmitry Novikov, Deputy Head of the School of International Relations at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. The conversation explores the challenges of being an Americanist in Moscow, Russian views on U.S. domestic politics, and the historical forces shaping U.S.-Russia conflict.

The discussion also examines Russia’s past attempts to integrate with the West, its strategic realignment toward Eurasia, and its role as a logistics hub, security provider, and energy supplier. Novikov reflects on the need for stabilization in U.S.-Russia relations, the emergence of a new Russian identity, and the growing influence of Islam in Russia. Finally, we look at the Cold War lessons that continue to shape decision-making in both Washington and Moscow.