Inside Story

Are Russia and the US entering a new Cold War?

The Kremlin is talking up its military might as the Americans accuse the Russians of war crimes in Syria.

The Cold War is a phrase which recalls decades-old fears of nuclear war and mutually assured destruction.

Some argue that a new, more dangerous Cold War has begun because of rising tensions between the US and Russian governments.

Relations have sunk after recent statements. US diplomats ended talks with their Russian counterparts about peace in Syria.

The Americans also called for Russians to be investigated for war crimes in Syria.

Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, says aggressive “Russophobia” lies at the heart of US policy, which poses a threat to Russian national security.

Is confrontation inevitable?

Presenter: Hazem Sika

Guests:

Sergey Strokan – columnist for the Russian newspaper Kommersant

Kurt Volker – former US ambassador to NATO and executive director at the McCain Institute for International Leadership

Igor Sutyagin – senior research fellow, Royal United Services Institute