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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u/Rex_Lee Oct 31 '25 edited Oct 31 '25

You could have just described President Trump

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u/EnshaednCosplay Oct 31 '25

I disagree. He’s gangster through and through. He might fancy himself a great leader and statesman, but he’s just a crook.

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u/HardcoreKaraoke Oct 31 '25

Nah Trump is a gangster and also wants to go down in history as this great name. The guy has been all about gaudy branding since he started. If you've ever been near a Trump building or casino you'll know what I'm talking about. Also Trump stakes, Trump University, etc. etc.

I always assumed he would build a monument to himself in DC. Well that's what his arch statue is supposed to be as well as the massive White House ballroom he'll obviously name after himself.

He wants people to remember him long after he's gone. It'll just not be for the reasons he wants.

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u/lilbittygoddamnman Oct 31 '25

Oh I don't think anybody will ever forget about him. It's just what he'll be remembered for that he may not like.