The United States and Russia are locked in an
escalating battle of nerves. American initiatives to contain Russia are met by
Russian military preparations to fend off a feared US-led invasion.
These countries are both nuclear superpowers. It's not likely that either has
in mind annihilating the other. But in the heat of the present game of
one-upsmanship, the danger of accidental or impetuous catastrophic action can
not be ignored.
The US and Russia uniquely possess the capability to pose an existential threat
to human civilization as we know it. It is mandatory that this possibility not
be ignored. The present ominous situation should not be taken lightly.
A move toward US-Russia cooperation is the best path toward defusing today's
dangerous game of confrontation.
Here is what I told Congress:
Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Hearing on
US Policy Toward Putin's Russia
June 14, 2016
Statement of
William Dunkerley
Expert on Russia's Media Sector and on the Credibility of America's Media Coverage of Russia and Its Leaders
[Summary: Both US and Russian leaders demonstrably engage in formulating policy based on misinformation and consequent misunderstanding. This creates a tense and dangerous situation. It also forecloses opportunities for reasonable dialogue and constructive cooperation. A practical plan is offered for disrupting this problematic negative trajectory in relations.]
My name is William Dunkerley. I am a media business analyst and organization-development expert based in New Britain, CT. I have extensive in-country experience in analyzing Russian media organizations from top to bottom and in investigating the credibility demonstrated by American media organizations in covering important issues regarding Russia and its leaders. I have several affiliations that are detailed in an appended bio.
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce evidence on the prospects for redirecting today's vitriolic and contentious US-Russia relationship toward areas of productive cooperation.
For many, such a redirection may seem as attainable as finding the end of a rainbow. Every week a battle rages in the media in which America expresses alarm over Russian international aggression and antidemocratic policies at home. In turn Russia expresses alarm over an overbearing US role in the world that includes threats to Russia's security.
My own research and analysis has shown that both sides are pursuing policies that contain a strong element of misunderstanding. I've found that this misunderstanding is propagated to a great extent by misinformation found in the media of the respective countries.
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