In this study we examine the Russian – United States rivalry focusing on relations from 1991 to 2006.  Policy analysts and the rivalry literature have placed the termination of the rivalry anywhere from 1986 to 1991.  We argue that current rivalry analysis have ignored important domestic political changes relevant to the termination of international rivalries.  After a short period of initial cooperation, the rivalry resumed after 1993 due to domestic political concerns and regional politics.  During the period from 1991 to 1993, the Russian – U.S. rivalry changed from a geopolitical rivalry to a regional rivalry, but never terminated.  A regime change or statements of cooperation are not a sufficient condition for the termination of a rivalry; one must look at the actual state of relations between states.  The end of a long-standing enduring rivalry requires both agreements with domestic actors and the settlement of all outstanding disputes to achieve termination status.