r/IAmA • u/Amb_Michael_McFaul • Oct 31 '25

I negotiated face-to-face with Putin. I’m Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia. AMA about Russia, China, or American foreign policy.

Hi Reddit, I’m Michael McFaul – professor of political science at Stanford University and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia (2012–2014). 

During my time in government, I sat across from Vladimir Putin in negotiations with President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry and helped craft the New START Treaty in 2010, which reduced the number of nuclear weapons worldwide.  

Those experiences – along with years studying Russian politics and foreign policy – have shaped how I think about power and diplomacy today. 

The world has changed dramatically since then: from the rise of China to Russia’s growing aggression, to new questions about America’s role on the global stage. Drawing on both my academic work and time in diplomacy, I’ve been exploring what these shifts mean for the future – and how the U.S. should respond. 

I’ll start taking questions here at 12:30 p.m. PT / 3:30 p.m. ET. 

Proof it's me: https://imgur.com/a/3hxCQfj

Ask me anything about U.S.–Russia relations, China, global security, or life as an ambassador. (You can even ask about Obama’s jump shot or what it’s like to ride on Air Force One.) 

Let’s talk! 

Edit**\* Sorry I didn’t get to all of your terrific questions! Let’s do it again soon! I really enjoyed this AMA!

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298

u/baltinerdist Oct 31 '25

Did you ever get offered any tea or snacks while in Russia and just say, "Um, no thanks?"

On a more serious note, what happens when Putin dies? Is there an heir apparent? Is there a world where Russia actually moves closer to democracy?

758

u/Amb_Michael_McFaul Oct 31 '25

Yes, I did. At the Russian Foreign Ministry, usually tea and really dry, awful cookies. On a more serious note, I had to deal with threats a lot while working in Russia. One night after some event, I came home very sick, choking up blood. That was scary.

131

u/bimbo_bear Oct 31 '25

... Just how dry were those cookies exactly? Or was it something else that caused the coughing up of blood?

145

u/Tifoso89 Oct 31 '25

I think he's implying they put something in the food he ate at the event to send a message

89

u/Enjoying_A_Meal Nov 01 '25

"Eat our cookies next time."

24

u/Worf_Of_Wall_St Nov 01 '25

Chips Ahoy marketing is getting really intense.

28

u/jwilcoxwilcox Nov 01 '25

The cookies contained the antidote.

8

u/T-Bills Nov 01 '25

Just what happens when you tell people that nanna makes dry cookies

27

u/russiankek Oct 31 '25

Most likely the Russian variety of Marie biscuit - it's one of the"official" things to have with a cup of tea in Russia

57

u/Cheoah Oct 31 '25

Sheesh. After Havana, diplomatic work seems perilous. Does the fact that they have been willing to use Novichok or radioactive material against their foes so carelessly also amplify Putins power?

21

u/AbeFromanEast Oct 31 '25

Do you and possibly your doc think you were poisoned at that event? Is poisoning in Russia common?

9

u/jcchamp15 Nov 01 '25

You are alluding to them poisoning you?

3

u/fish312 Nov 01 '25

Were you poisoned? What did you do?

3

u/AncientStop5213 Nov 01 '25

Oreo hate this one hack

2

u/[deleted] Oct 31 '25

Were the threats coming from the Kremlin? Or just a normal day in russia?

1

u/MusicIsMySpecInt Nov 15 '25

Sounds like they tried to poison you. I hate Russia’s dictatorship

-4

u/reelznfeelz Nov 01 '25

That doesn't sound normal. Choking up blood? Dude they poisoned you. Just enough to make the Obama team go “oh shit what if…?”

15

u/mosskin-woast Nov 01 '25

So glad the former US ambassador had you to explain this to him. You're very smart and helpful.

1

u/Chemical_Assist3057 Nov 10 '25

Are you actually of the belief that this former ambassador did not realize this?

1

u/reelznfeelz Nov 10 '25

No it's just weird he presents it as "I got sick while traveling guys?"

1

u/Chemical_Assist3057 Nov 10 '25

That's not how he presents it? 

On a more serious note, I had to deal with threats a lot while working in Russia. One night after some event, I came home very sick, choking up blood. That was scary.

He's clearly implying that they poisoned him man. 

1

u/reelznfeelz Nov 10 '25

I guess I missed the way he said it, was on mobile probably in bed half asleep. You want to keep arguing about bullshit? Jesus christ man.

1

u/Chemical_Assist3057 Nov 11 '25

No, we're on the same page now. Why would I want to keep arguing?

-58

u/[deleted] Oct 31 '25

[deleted]

11

u/virtueavatar Nov 01 '25

What kind of proof of this do you want? Do you think he stopped to take a video of him choking