The New Cold War

We have been discussing how the United States and Russia have came to a clash of interests over the country of Georgia. Russia is worried at the possibility of Georgia becoming a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally with the United States. Russia has helped prevent this from happening by using its position and influence in the region.
Once the recent outbreak of violence happened to coincide with the Olympic Games, Russia used the opportunity to invade northern Ossetia and take control of key points within Georgia. This has caused a stalemate in relations between the United States and Russia that has not been seen since before the end of the Cold War.
Though Russia has largely pulled out of Ossetia, the precedent which has been set is very troubling for the world. Thankfully, relations have been repaired to some extent. How do you think we should handle the relationship between the United States and Russia? Does your way call for peace or violence?