Trump, Russia, and the decline of globalism: The rise of a new American empire
The US is undergoing a reset, but it’s not in the manner that the world anticipated. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
**The US is resetting, but not how the world expected**
Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House is poised to ignite a political revolution. The new administration is swiftly dismantling the existing order, purging the ruling elite, and reshaping domestic and foreign policy. These changes are expected to become entrenched, making them challenging to reverse even if adversaries reclaim power in future elections.
For Trump, as for all revolutionaries, the mission is to disrupt the established system and consolidate radical transformations. Principles that have long guided US policy—some for over a century—are being intentionally discarded. Washington's global strategy, previously built on extensive military, diplomatic, and financial influence, is being reframed to cater to Trump’s domestic political imperatives.
**The end of the American liberal empire**
For the last 100 years, the US has operated as a global empire. Unlike traditional empires centered on territorial expansion, the American version extended its influence through financial dominance, military alliances, and ideological sway. However, this model has increasingly proved unsustainable. Since the late 1990s, the costs of maintaining global hegemony have outweighed the benefits, leading to dissatisfaction both domestically and internationally.
Trump and his allies aim to dismantle this ‘liberal empire’ and steer America toward a more self-reliant, mercantilist model reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, akin to the administration of President William McKinley. Trump has expressed admiration for this period, viewing it as the nation’s golden age of prosperity, prior to assuming the burdens of global leadership.
Under this new vision, America will cut unproductive foreign spending and refocus on its inherent strengths: vast resources, a robust industrial base, and the world’s most valuable consumer market. Instead of policing the globe, Washington is expected to leverage its economic power more assertively to secure trade advantages. Nonetheless, this transition involves significant risks, particularly within a highly interconnected global economy.
**A shift in global strategy**
Trump's policies are primarily motivated by domestic concerns but are set to have substantial implications abroad. His administration is methodically dismantling vital institutions of the old order, including those that have historically provoked Moscow. An example is USAID—a key instrument of American influence in the post-Soviet region—which has been severely weakened. Ironically, Trump had more cause to dismantle USAID than even Russian President Vladimir Putin, as its resources had been redirected for domestic political ends by Trump’s opponents.
If the US indeed abandons its liberal empire model, many tensions with Russia may diminish. Historically, Moscow and Washington maintained relatively stable relations during the 19th century. Should Trump’s America adopt a more isolationist stance, Russia would likely cease to be a primary focus of US interference, with the Arctic emerging as the main area of contention, given the strategic interests shared by both nations.
China, however, remains Trump's chief adversary. Beijing’s state-driven economic expansion fundamentally conflicts with Trump’s mercantilist vision. Unlike Biden, who aimed to counter China through alliances, Trump appears willing to adopt a unilateral approach—potentially undermining Western unity in the process. His administration is expected to escalate both economic and technological hostilities against Beijing, even at the risk of alienating European allies.
**Europe’s strategic uncertainty**
One of Trump’s most disruptive strategies has been his overt hostility towards the EU. The recent speech by his vice president, J.D. Vance, in Munich symbolized direct interference in European politics, endorsing right-wing nationalist movements that challenge the EU’s authority.
This shift is placing Europe in a precarious position. For years, China perceived Western Europe as an ‘alternative West’ for economic engagement, preferring it over the confrontational relationship with the US. Trump’s approach may expedite EU-China relations, particularly if Western European leaders feel sidelined by Washington.
There are early indications that European policymakers might ease restrictions on Chinese investments, especially in critical sectors like semiconductors. Concurrently, ambitions among some Europeans for NATO expansion into the Indo-Pacific may falter as the bloc seeks to redefine its role amidst a new US strategy that departs from globalism.
**Russia and China: A changing relationship**
Washington has long dreamed of driving a wedge between Russia and China. However, Trump’s new strategy is unlikely to realize that vision. The partnership between Russia and China is built on solid foundations: a significant shared border, complementary economies, and mutual interest in countering Western dominance.
The evolving geopolitical landscape could lead Russia into a situation reminiscent of China in the early 2000s—prioritizing economic growth while maintaining strategic flexibility. Moscow may even reduce its efforts to actively undermine the US, focusing instead on reinforcing its economic and security relationships with Beijing.
China is likely to bear the brunt of Trump’s remade American empire. The US seems poised to abandon reliance on alliances to contain Beijing, opting instead for direct economic and military pressure. While this could complicate circumstances for China, it does not guarantee success for the US. China has been preparing for economic decoupling for years and might discover opportunities in an increasingly divided Western world.
**The road ahead**
Trump’s anticipated return signals a crucial shift in global power dynamics. The US appears to be pivoting away from a liberal empire towards a more transactional, power-centric foreign policy. For Russia, this may lead to fewer ideological conflicts with Washington, but ongoing competition over key regions like the Arctic will persist.
For China, Trump’s policies represent a direct threat. The critical question will be whether Beijing can adapt to a landscape where the US actively seeks to undermine its economic influence rather than merely contain it.
For Western Europe, the outlook is grim. The EU is losing its status as America’s primary ally and must learn to navigate an increasingly independent path. Whether it can effectively manage this new reality remains uncertain.
One fact is clear: the world is entering a deeply transformative era, with established norms rapidly evolving. Trump’s America is rewriting the geopolitical playbook, compelling others to adapt in response.
This article was first published by the magazine *Profile* and was translated and edited by the RTN team.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House is poised to ignite a political revolution. The new administration is swiftly dismantling the existing order, purging the ruling elite, and reshaping domestic and foreign policy. These changes are expected to become entrenched, making them challenging to reverse even if adversaries reclaim power in future elections.
For Trump, as for all revolutionaries, the mission is to disrupt the established system and consolidate radical transformations. Principles that have long guided US policy—some for over a century—are being intentionally discarded. Washington's global strategy, previously built on extensive military, diplomatic, and financial influence, is being reframed to cater to Trump’s domestic political imperatives.
**The end of the American liberal empire**
For the last 100 years, the US has operated as a global empire. Unlike traditional empires centered on territorial expansion, the American version extended its influence through financial dominance, military alliances, and ideological sway. However, this model has increasingly proved unsustainable. Since the late 1990s, the costs of maintaining global hegemony have outweighed the benefits, leading to dissatisfaction both domestically and internationally.
Trump and his allies aim to dismantle this ‘liberal empire’ and steer America toward a more self-reliant, mercantilist model reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, akin to the administration of President William McKinley. Trump has expressed admiration for this period, viewing it as the nation’s golden age of prosperity, prior to assuming the burdens of global leadership.
Under this new vision, America will cut unproductive foreign spending and refocus on its inherent strengths: vast resources, a robust industrial base, and the world’s most valuable consumer market. Instead of policing the globe, Washington is expected to leverage its economic power more assertively to secure trade advantages. Nonetheless, this transition involves significant risks, particularly within a highly interconnected global economy.
**A shift in global strategy**
Trump's policies are primarily motivated by domestic concerns but are set to have substantial implications abroad. His administration is methodically dismantling vital institutions of the old order, including those that have historically provoked Moscow. An example is USAID—a key instrument of American influence in the post-Soviet region—which has been severely weakened. Ironically, Trump had more cause to dismantle USAID than even Russian President Vladimir Putin, as its resources had been redirected for domestic political ends by Trump’s opponents.
If the US indeed abandons its liberal empire model, many tensions with Russia may diminish. Historically, Moscow and Washington maintained relatively stable relations during the 19th century. Should Trump’s America adopt a more isolationist stance, Russia would likely cease to be a primary focus of US interference, with the Arctic emerging as the main area of contention, given the strategic interests shared by both nations.
China, however, remains Trump's chief adversary. Beijing’s state-driven economic expansion fundamentally conflicts with Trump’s mercantilist vision. Unlike Biden, who aimed to counter China through alliances, Trump appears willing to adopt a unilateral approach—potentially undermining Western unity in the process. His administration is expected to escalate both economic and technological hostilities against Beijing, even at the risk of alienating European allies.
**Europe’s strategic uncertainty**
One of Trump’s most disruptive strategies has been his overt hostility towards the EU. The recent speech by his vice president, J.D. Vance, in Munich symbolized direct interference in European politics, endorsing right-wing nationalist movements that challenge the EU’s authority.
This shift is placing Europe in a precarious position. For years, China perceived Western Europe as an ‘alternative West’ for economic engagement, preferring it over the confrontational relationship with the US. Trump’s approach may expedite EU-China relations, particularly if Western European leaders feel sidelined by Washington.
There are early indications that European policymakers might ease restrictions on Chinese investments, especially in critical sectors like semiconductors. Concurrently, ambitions among some Europeans for NATO expansion into the Indo-Pacific may falter as the bloc seeks to redefine its role amidst a new US strategy that departs from globalism.
**Russia and China: A changing relationship**
Washington has long dreamed of driving a wedge between Russia and China. However, Trump’s new strategy is unlikely to realize that vision. The partnership between Russia and China is built on solid foundations: a significant shared border, complementary economies, and mutual interest in countering Western dominance.
The evolving geopolitical landscape could lead Russia into a situation reminiscent of China in the early 2000s—prioritizing economic growth while maintaining strategic flexibility. Moscow may even reduce its efforts to actively undermine the US, focusing instead on reinforcing its economic and security relationships with Beijing.
China is likely to bear the brunt of Trump’s remade American empire. The US seems poised to abandon reliance on alliances to contain Beijing, opting instead for direct economic and military pressure. While this could complicate circumstances for China, it does not guarantee success for the US. China has been preparing for economic decoupling for years and might discover opportunities in an increasingly divided Western world.
**The road ahead**
Trump’s anticipated return signals a crucial shift in global power dynamics. The US appears to be pivoting away from a liberal empire towards a more transactional, power-centric foreign policy. For Russia, this may lead to fewer ideological conflicts with Washington, but ongoing competition over key regions like the Arctic will persist.
For China, Trump’s policies represent a direct threat. The critical question will be whether Beijing can adapt to a landscape where the US actively seeks to undermine its economic influence rather than merely contain it.
For Western Europe, the outlook is grim. The EU is losing its status as America’s primary ally and must learn to navigate an increasingly independent path. Whether it can effectively manage this new reality remains uncertain.
One fact is clear: the world is entering a deeply transformative era, with established norms rapidly evolving. Trump’s America is rewriting the geopolitical playbook, compelling others to adapt in response.
This article was first published by the magazine *Profile* and was translated and edited by the RTN team.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
