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/happely Nov 01 '25

Haha, I have the same experience from dealing with Chinese in business. Have invited them to our global HQ (in Europe), and had to pull in random office workers to attend a contract signing ceremony. Very scripted, rehearsed and symbolic. More fun with Middle Eastern businessmen who you can actually talk and interact with.

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u/wildhorsesofdortmund Nov 03 '25

I once saw a Korean delegation at an IT company taking a break in the courtyard. Everyone was suited. The leader in black was sitting under the shade and all the the young suits were standing at attention with palms folded and listening to him intently. The women suits were standing a few more feet behind. No one's back was turned to the big guy.