Key Points from Elon Musk
The opinion of Elon Musk on Russia has been an intriguing topic for many. Whether it be through his business ventures, grandiose Twitter comments, or attendance of high-profile international events, it has served to warrant a considerable amount of curiosity.
The strongest comment Musk has made to the public about Russia was during the Munich Security Conference in 2019. Here, Musk stated that the US and Russia should be ‘partners’. Although this generic characterization of the two world superpowers could likely have been welcomed by both Russian and American citizens, Musk further clarified that such partnership should be focused on economically understanding each other and utilizing technological feats in collaboration.
In particular, Musk wanted to see the US and Russia form an approach to jointly working on energy solutions. He felt that with the two countries having notably different resources, joining forces could produce a more efficient path towards combatting global climate change.
Not all of Musk’s comments were focused on the future. He also opined that Russia’s exceptional history, from technological prowess to its admiration of art, should be respected by other nations. Notably, Musk cited the Apollo-Soyuz project from 1975 as a successful example of working together.
Reactions from International Media
The sentiment of Musk’s comments were widely shared by the public, but international media took the news with a grain of salt.
Focusing mostly on Musk’s advice to the US, international media felt that the implications of this request were dubious and potentially exaggerated. Exploring a potential alliance with Russia while disregarding the nations’ controversial political history seemed too optimistic and naïve.
For example, in the UK, the Daily Mail ran an article suggesting that Musk had ‘foolishly proposed’ a plan to team-up with Putin’s regime. This outlook was shared by a number of other media outlets, such as the Guardian and the Globe and Mail.
Elon Musk’s Previous Business Ventures with Russia
A key motivation towards why many found Musk’s proposal so peculiar was due to the lack of existing business connections between Putin and Musk.
The tech mogul who has carved a prosperous future for companies like SpaceX and Tesla is not considered to have any significant investments within Russian borders.
In fact, his interactions with the country were limited to his elusive promise to build a Tesla Gigafactory in the country. However, the global economic strain in 2020 made the project too complicated for even Musk to pursue.
Reactions from Government
Unsurprisingly, the US and Russia gave contrasting reactions to Musk’s proposal.
While the US was largely content with Musk’s idea, they felt that his approach did not adequately focus on long-standing issues (i.e. cyber-security, North Korea) and subsequent protocol changes between the countries.
On the other hand, Russia welcomed the prospect of collaboration and progress between them. With Putin as well as his political adviser, Sergey Glazyev, also drawing attention to similar potential opportunities at the Munich Security Conference, the idea of the two countries working together seemed to gain considerable traction amongst the Russian elite.
Elon Musk’s Influence in International Discourse
Musk’s comments about the US and Russia’s relationship were received with mixed feelings. On one hand, many were excited about a possible billionaire-facilitated peace treaty between two world superpowers. On the other, his audio in the matter was downplayed by national media in both Russia and the US due to the lack of existing business ties as well as general enthusiasm for the idea.
Regardless, it is worth acknowledging that Elon Musk commands a substantial amount of attention when it comes to international discourse. With the appearance of multiple billionaires on the global stage, it is increasingly becoming the case that the world’s most powerful nations cannot ignore this new class of uber-influencers.
Record of Diplomacy Attempts Between the Countries
In terms of the history of diplomacy between Russia and the US, the two countries have had a tumultuous path.
From the historic 1975 Apollo-Soyuz project to the 1974 weapons treaty to the more recent decade-long sanctions against Russia, the two countries have had considerable disagreements.
With the US’ successful partnership with China being a current concern, it would make sense to apply similar strategies with other counterparts like Russia. If done correctly, this could make way for further US endeavours, business opportunities, and a shared understanding of the future.
How SpaceX Could Facilitate Diplomatic Progress
One of the most groundbreaking events involving the US and Russia in recent years was the first ever commercial spacecraft mission to the International Space Station. Here, the SpaceX Dragon capsule was launched in May 2020.
This event was a notable success, with both sides officially praising each other’s efforts. This achievement reportedly served as a foundation for further collaborative efforts to be made in the future.
With SpaceX being arguably the most successful business owned by Elon Musk, it is plausible that its success in the international space market could bring more mutual understanding between the two competing countries.
Positive Reactions from Business Leaders
Given that Russo-American relations are not primarily based on business, it is interesting to note the reactions from international entrepreneurs to Musk’s comments.
There has been a by and large perception that the prospects of working with Russia present a unique opportunity. Maersk CEO Soren Skou was quoted saying that, ‘the same people who are saying that the relationship with Moscow should be avoided are the people who go there to shop’.
Likewise, ex-Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein opined that, ‘we don’t have to agree on regime change, we should be in communication, good dialogue’.
These comments seem to represent a common theme: If a big business leader publicly supports investing in Russia, then why shouldn’t the US?
Criticism of Elon Musk’s Comments
Although it is clear that Musk’s suggestion was welcomed by some from the business world, there was still considerable criticism from various political figures worldwide.
The most consistent comments came from Democrats in the US, who continuously urged against the idea of the US and Russia working together for geopolitical purposes.
Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, was quoted saying that such an alliance was ‘too optimistic’. Robert Skinner, a former IT engineer from the Pentagon, felt that due to the volatile relationship between the two countries, it was too dangerous to even have the conversation at all.
Putin shared similar doubts, and deemed the concept of a US-Russia alliance too complex at this stage in history. With his 3rd consecutive term coming to an end, it is doubtful whether a collaboration between the US and Russia will become a reality.
Internationally-Centric Outlook of Musk
Elon Musk has proven himself to be quite an influential figure on the international stage, not only through his business but also through his comments to the public.
His idea to form better relationships between the US and Russia has certainly provided the world with a more peaceful and economically efficient alternative, but is limited by the current political climate.
Nonetheless, it is clear that Musk’s opinion is driven by a globally oriented perspective, where finding common ground and understanding between rival countries are the main goal. This attitude deserves to be respected and admired, as more people on the world stage could learn from his successful approach towards international discourse.
