The Foreign Service Journal, April 2007

show of nationalism. The Russian elite can only maintain their privileged status in a society that is hostile to the West — but not too hostile, lest their personal fortunes in the Western banks be threatened. That means that a major portion of the elite is not ready for serious conflict with the West over any of the above-mentioned goals. At the same time, however, another subset of the elite, who lack such personal connections with the West, may be prepared for — may even long for — a conflict they could use to oust the moderates from the Kremlin. It would be wrong to assume that cooperation in areas of common interest to Russia and the West will diminish the tension in the relationship. Indeed, just the opposite is occurring, as demonstrated by the growing differences on terrorism, nonproliferation and energy security. This new situation creates tough challenges for pragmatists on both sides, who understand the conse- quences of Russia and the West drifting too far apart. Moscow’s tougher line, designed to secure greater lever- age in the international arena, and especially in the ener- gy field, could set in motion a process over which both it and the West lose control. An Uneasy Balance Situational factors help explain the current stolidity of Russian society. High oil prices are keeping the econo- my stable. In addition, the Russian people are still recovering from the turmoil of the Yeltsin years, so they remain disenchanted with the political opposition. Political strategists have managed to fill the vacuum left by the opposition with virtual political forces that leave little room for genuine social movements. The current regime attempts to incorporate all of the popular ideas that come along by co-opting them from the opposition. However, Russia’s present stability is slowly being undermined by conflicts embedded in the system. Among these are the inherent conflicts between person- ified power and the democratic source of its legitimacy, and between the regime’s attempt to preserve the status quo even as it redistributes the country’s wealth. F O C U S A P R I L 2 0 0 7 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 29 The Janne t t e Embassy P l an Overseas Insurance for Personal Auto & Contents Coverage Each policy is backed by the expertise and dedicated support of our customer service team. To learn more about the specific coverages offered by the plan, please visit our website at www.jannetteintl.com. The Janne t t e Embassy P l an Administered by Clements International One Thomas Circle NW, 8th Floor, Washington D.C. 20005 (800) 256-5141 (202) 478-6595 Fax (202) 466.9069 jannetteplan@clements.com www.jannetteintl.com Your Reliable Choice Since 1969, the Jannette Embassy Plan has provided dependable coverage to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel throughout the world. Our plan provides U.S. and Canadian personnel working at embassies and consulates insurance protection for their personal property, including automobiles and household effects. WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short-term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an Jannette Embassy Plan FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact post for compliance with local laws, excess liability limits over local liability coverage PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods, transit, valuables, personal liability and life insurance EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Including directors and officers