Senator McCain has emphasised his willingness to take a tough stance on Russian expansionism. As a candidate who prides himself on straight shooting, The Nation reveals a different story behind the scenes.

Mark Ames and Ari Berman from The Nation scrutinise the private links between the former enemies:

“Despite McCain’s tough talk on Russia, behind the scenes his top advisers have cultivated deep ties with Russia’s oligarchy–indeed, they have promoted the Kremlin’s geopolitical and economic interests, as well as some of its most unsavory business figures, through greedy cynicism and geopolitical stupor. The most notable example is the tale of how McCain and his campaign manager, Rick Davis, advanced what became a key victory for the Kremlin: gaining control over the small but strategically important country of Montenegro.”

Read the full story here.