Changes

Washington and its representatives sleep on the security front, other actors are taking matters into their own hand in other arenas.<br>'''Uncle Sam, please do no harm: Alternative forms of diplomacy in an era of gridlock'''<br>Last week, a subtle theme permeated the second annual New York Times Energy for Tomorrow Conference. While on one hand dysfunction in the U.S. federal government has instituted an era of gridlock, innovative initiatives across the [[private sector]] and at the state and municipal level of government have continued to drive forward monumental change in the energy sector. In the  

Washington and its representatives sleep on the security front, other actors are taking matters into their own hand in other arenas.<br>'''Uncle Sam, please do no harm: Alternative forms of diplomacy in an era of gridlock'''<br>Last week, a subtle theme permeated the second annual New York Times Energy for Tomorrow Conference. While on one hand dysfunction in the U.S. federal government has instituted an era of gridlock, innovative initiatives across the [[private sector]] and at the state and municipal level of government have continued to drive forward monumental change in the energy sector. In the  

wake of this structural evolution of governance, corporations and local communities have taken control of their own destiny through a diverse array of revolutionary technologies and investment programs.<br>In the context of U.S.-Russian relations, a similar example may be seen in the relationship of [[ExxonMobil]] and Rosneft – the largest oil companies in each of these respective countries.<br>Through a diverse portfolio of agreements and related ventures, the two leading companies have continued to move forward on projects in the United States, Russia and beyond. Under the leadership of Igor Sechin, Rosneft’s President and Management Board Chairman, the company has taken steps to build bridges and advance the interests of both companies.<br>At an investment conference organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia last week, a former [[Australia]]n diplomat named Glenn Waller was the star of the show. As the President of ExxonMobil Russia, he offered telling comments regarding his company’s joint accomplishments with Rosneft: "I was happy to hear from Ambassador McFaul that it has been discussed at the highest level between presidents. We have very strong support from various levels of the Russian government."<br>Consistent with the conclusions of the recent New York Times conference, Waller’s quote did  

wake of this structural evolution of governance, corporations and local communities have taken control of their own destiny through a diverse array of revolutionary technologies and investment programs.<br>In the context of U.S.-Russian relations, a similar example may be seen in the relationship of [[ExxonMobil]] and Rosneft – the largest oil companies in each of these respective countries.<br>Through a diverse portfolio of agreements and related ventures, the two leading companies have continued to move forward on projects in the United States, Russia and beyond. Under the leadership of Igor Sechin, Rosneft’s President and Management Board Chairman, the company has taken steps to build bridges and advance the interests of both companies.<br>At an investment conference organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia last week, a former [[Australia]]n diplomat named Glenn Waller was the star of the show. As the President of ExxonMobil Russia, he offered telling comments regarding his company’s joint accomplishments with Rosneft: "I was happy to hear from Ambassador McFaul that it has been discussed at the highest level between presidents. We have very strong support from various levels of the Russian government."<br>Consistent with the conclusions of the recent New York Times conference, Waller’s quote did  

not indicate strong support from various levels of the Russian and US governments. A more active government support of the US businesses community’s efforts most especially through the avoidance of efforts that seek to instigate hegemonic change could represent a strong initial move in that general direction.<br>The frequently unjustified maltreatment of Russia and its leaders in the US media further engrains long-standing tendencies toward misunderstanding, thereby offering a super-sized cover for equally large policy mistakes by the U.S. government. Despite the recent accomplishments of Igor Sechin, his article for the Time 100 was written by Vladimir Milov – an exceptionally harsh critic who followed historic precedent in his write-up. In contrast, the April 29 edition of ''[[Time magazine]]'' also included tributes to U.S. President Barack Obama and the First Lady [[Michelle Obama]] by Hillary Clinton and [[Maya Angelou]] respectively. Reflecting the highest  

not indicate strong support from various levels of the Russian and US governments. A more active government support of the US businesses community’s efforts most especially through the avoidance of efforts that seek to instigate hegemonic change could represent a strong initial move in that general direction.<br>The frequently unjustified maltreatment of Russia and its leaders in the US media further engrains long-standing tendencies toward misunderstanding, thereby offering a super-sized cover for equally large policy mistakes by the U.S. government. Despite the recent accomplishments of Igor Sechin, his article for the Time 100 was written by Vladimir Milov – an exceptionally harsh critic who followed historic precedent in his write-up. In contrast, the April 29 edition of ''[[Time magazine]]'' also included tributes to U.S. President Barack Obama and the First Lady [[Michelle Obama]] by Hillary Clinton and Maya Angelou respectively. Reflecting the highest  

principles of [[cronyism]] rather than [[democracy]], Clinton’s future political career rests firmly on the continued success and popularity of the Obama Administration over the next three and a half years. Meanwhile, Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2011 – the highest civilian award in the United States and in essence the ultimate pay-off.<br>Reminiscent of McFaul’s earlier discussion of unbridled U.S. power, Angelou ironically  

principles of [[cronyism]] rather than [[democracy]], Clinton’s future political career rests firmly on the continued success and popularity of the Obama Administration over the next three and a half years. Meanwhile, Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2011 – the highest civilian award in the United States and in essence the ultimate pay-off.<br>Reminiscent of McFaul’s earlier discussion of unbridled U.S. power, Angelou ironically  

mentions in her tribute, “The philosophers tell us that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” While no person on this planet is completely free from sin in contrast to public relations spin, another political philosopher named [[Alexander Hamilton]] once noted, “The strongest passions, and most dangerous weaknesses of the human breast; ambition, avarice, vanity, the honorable or venial love of fame, are all in conspiracy against the desire and duty of peace.” Although such failings may have helped enable the terror in Boston, a reevaluation of ambitions could set the stage for a future peace.<br>Instead of worrying about what decisions are made on high, efforts by American business leaders like ExxonMobil to continue establishing bilateral links play an invaluable service to both countries. While the palatial setting of Spaso House which Dr. McFaul now calls home may understandably be a difficult place to acquire new humble perspectives regarding unbridled power, initial strides in the right direction by business can offer further momentum which  

mentions in her tribute, “The philosophers tell us that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” While no person on this planet is completely free from sin in contrast to public relations spin, another political philosopher named [[Alexander Hamilton]] once noted, “The strongest passions, and most dangerous weaknesses of the human breast; ambition, avarice, vanity, the honorable or venial love of fame, are all in conspiracy against the desire and duty of peace.” Although such failings may have helped enable the terror in Boston, a reevaluation of ambitions could set the stage for a future peace.<br>Instead of worrying about what decisions are made on high, efforts by American business leaders like ExxonMobil to continue establishing bilateral links play an invaluable service to both countries. While the palatial setting of Spaso House which Dr. McFaul now calls home may understandably be a difficult place to acquire new humble perspectives regarding unbridled power, initial strides in the right direction by business can offer further momentum which