Historically, the United States and Russia have had an enigmatic relationship, and the decade since the end of the Cold War has not completely cleared the ambiguity between the two nations. Russia itself faces several problem areas in its ongoing transition from communism and the old Soviet government to democratic society. Among Russia's quandaries are the war with Chechnyan separatists, organised crime, government corruption, arms control, the emergence of free markets, and international relations with NATO and the UN. The start of the American-led war on terrorism has brought Russia even more into focus as a key ally in opposing insurgency and militants. This book studies the wide array of dilemmas facing Russia both domestically and internationally.