The ‘zero-sum’ mentality is the confrontationist’s attitude to a situation that might improve. People with ‘zero-sum’ mentality work behind the scenes, and look at improving relations between countries as a win or a defeat, thereby thriving in an unstable political situation. There are such people both in the US, and in Moscow. However, great things are in store at the Obama-Medvedev summit. President Obama is looking at establishing a multi-faceted relationship with Russia and while he is in talks with President Medvedev, there will be a business summit and a civil society summit taking place at the same time.

The talks will include reviews of the situation in Iran, the Mideast and North Korea. What is of interest is that there might also be discussions on climate change and energy efficiency. Typical to his style, Obama is not going to talk about various human rights issues that both countries face. The two countries are also going to announce the formation of a joint intergovernmental convention. President Obama is to meet with opposition politicians and will also give an interview to the Novaya Gazeta, which is an opposition newspaper. Murdered journalist Anna Politkovskaya had worked for this paper. All-in-all, it does promise to be a summit with a difference.