Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Michael R. Chambers

Second Advisor

Glenn Perry

Abstract

Aiding the successful transition of Russia to a free-market, democratic society was one of the key goals of the Clinton Administration's foreign policy. This study looks at U.S. policy toward Russia during the period of 1993 to 1998 and examines the effectiveness ofthat policy. A number of primary sources, such as speeches and U.S. Department of State dispatches, were used as well as a variety of secondary sources. Through the examination of these sources the conclusion was reached that U.S. policy toward Russia during this time frame was not effective. Instead of the desired effect of promoting and consolidating democracy, many aspects of this policy were detrimental to the growth and development of Russian democracy. Three main reasons for this are the way the policy was implemented, the support given for Russian President Boris Y eltsin, and the importance placed on economic reform over democratic reform.

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