To Boot Russia from the G8, or Embrace It?
Madeline Albright and William Perry argue in the Los Angeles Times that Sen. John McCain’s call to boot Russia from the G8 is problematic:
This week’s Group of 8 meeting in Japan raises some important questions about Sen. John McCain’s approach to the art of diplomacy. McCain has suggested that Russia be kicked out of the G-8 because of its government’s retreat from democracy in recent years. This is the kind of proposal one might expect from a party candidate seeking to differentiate himself from the policies of an unpopular predecessor. It is not, however, a good idea. The problem is not in McCain’s analysis but in his proposed remedy.