Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union 27 years ago, Russia has been both a central figure in our foreign relations and a surprise actor in our domestic politics. Given the unprecedented attention paid to our Cold War foe, how did we get here? Ambassador Michael McFaul may have some answers. McFaul served as the seventh United States ambassador to Russia from 2012-2014 and is one of America’s leading scholars, with unparalleled insight into the Russian Federation and how it functions.

McFaul is interviewed by president and CEO of the Commonwealth Club of California, Dr. Gloria Duffy.