The history of Russian-American relations in the 20th-21st centuries shows that long periods of confrontation between the two countries gave way to periods of cooperation and mutual understanding only for a very limited time. The temporary normalization of Russian-American relations happened only during periods of global crisis, and the more serious a crisis was, the more successful the cooperation between Moscow and Washington. This article discusses the factors that contributed to the transformation of the conflict into a familiar and even normative state of relations between Russia and the United States. Along with this, an analysis of changes in the international situation in the newest period has been made, with particular attention paid to problems in US-Chinese relations during the presidency of Donald Trump. The author assumes that at the present time only the influence of external factors is capable of changing the existing conflict balance in relations between Russia and the United States. How this balance will change: towards further deepening the already serious contradictions, with the prospect of Russia becoming involved in a new global confrontation between the USA and China, or towards improving relations and strengthening international security - will depend on foreign policy strategies chosen by leaders of the United States, China and Russia. The author considers the creation of the widest possible international coalition aimed at preventing a conflict scenario of US-Chinese relations to be the strategy that takes into account the interests of all parties involved. For its implementation, Russia should strive to resolve conflicts with its neighbors as soon as possible, restore normal working relations with Western countries, and gain a reputation as a responsible and moderate actor in the international system.