On the heels of Russia's invasion of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in February 2014, Angela Stent, an expert on Russian foreign policy, in a Washington Post essay entitled "Why American Doesn't Understand Putin," wrote, "The need for a dedicated and deep understanding of Russiaespecially the motives and machinations emanating from the Kremlinis as critical as ever. Otherwise the United States is doomed to repeat cycles of 'resets,' great expectations of better relations with Russia followed by serial disappointments." Why is it important to understand the geography, economics, and politics of a nation in order to strengthen diplomatic relations? Is it important? What are some of the issues that have arisen between the United States and Russia through the years? Thanks in advance