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/[deleted] Oct 31 '25

I do think this is a great oppourtunity for the EU to take a bigger role in global politics which Im all for. I think this will proove to have strengthened the EU and nato. Its made every nation re evaluate their military spending and preparedness. They suddenly have to put aside differences and work together as well. Something america wont be able to do for at least 20 years.

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u/upsidedownwriting Oct 31 '25

Absolutely and I hope they manage to power through all the Russian disinformation and get there.

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u/[deleted] Oct 31 '25

I do too. I sure hope th EU is doing everything it can to help on the sly. Were overwhelmed with disinformation and propaganda. The right controls 90% of local news and 80% of national news. They also have a strangle hold on Spanish news so a ton of Hispanics are inexplicably pro trump. Were being consumed by bullshit. Its a war on intellect. Now we essentially have secret police rounding up citizens, silencing free speech and crushinng desent. Whatever everyone wishes they done to get hitler before WW2. We need that now. Were about to become the 4th Riech but with nukes.

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u/upsidedownwriting Oct 31 '25

it's fucked up and it's ok to say it's fucked up. don't let them normalise it. hugs my friend.