A new U.S. empire: Trump, Russia, and the collapse of globalism
The United States is undergoing a transformation, but it isn't happening in the way the world anticipated.
TroibNews 
**The U.S. Is Shifting, but Not in the Expected Manner**
Donald Trump’s anticipated reinstatement to the White House is poised to initiate a significant political shift. The incoming administration is swiftly dismantling the established order, removing members of the ruling elite, reconfiguring both domestic and foreign policy, and solidifying changes that could be challenging to reverse even if opposition candidates regain control in the future.
For Trump, as with all revolutionaries, the primary goal is to disrupt the current system and solidify radical changes. Many principles that have underpinned U.S. policy for decades—some for over a century—are being deliberately set aside. Washington's global strategy, traditionally characterized by extensive military, diplomatic, and financial influence, is undergoing a transformation to align with Trump's domestic political objectives.
**The Contraction of the American Liberal Empire**
For the last century, the United States has operated as a global empire, but unlike traditional empires reliant on territorial growth, the American version expanded through financial superiority, military partnerships, and ideological sway. This approach, however, has increasingly proven unsustainable. Since the late 1990s, the expenses tied to maintaining global dominance have outweighed the advantages, leading to growing dissatisfaction domestically and internationally.
Trump and his supporters aim to dismantle this ‘liberal empire’ and revert America to a more self-sufficient, mercantilist model, akin to the late 19th and early 20th centuries during President William McKinley's time. Trump has openly lauded this period, viewing it as a peak of U.S. prosperity before the nation assumed the responsibilities of global leadership.
Under this framework, America is expected to cut back on unproductive foreign spending and concentrate on its inherent assets: vast resources, a robust industrial base, and the world’s largest consumer market. Rather than acting as the world’s police force, Washington will seek to leverage its economic power to secure trade advantages aggressively. Nevertheless, this transition comes with substantial risks, particularly in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
**A Shift in Global Strategy**
While Trump's policies originate from domestic concerns, they will have significant repercussions internationally. His administration is systematically dismantling critical institutions of the previous order, including those that have irked Moscow. For example, USAID—a major avenue for American influence in the post-Soviet sphere—has faced deep cuts. Ironically, Trump had greater incentive to dismantle USAID than even Russian President Vladimir Putin, as its resources had been repurposed for political gains by Trump’s rivals.
Should the U.S. abandon its liberal empire approach, many points of contention with Russia may diminish. Historically, Moscow and Washington maintained relatively stable relations throughout the 19th century, suggesting that if Trump's America embraces a more isolationist stance, Russia might no longer be a primary target for U.S. interference. Likely, the main area of friction will be the Arctic, where both countries hold strategic interests.
China remains Trump's primary adversary. The state-led economic expansion of Beijing stands in stark contrast to Trump’s mercantilist vision. Unlike Biden, who pursued countering China through alliances, Trump appears prepared to act unilaterally—potentially undermining Western cohesion in the process. His administration appears set to intensify economic and technological warfare against Beijing, even at the cost of straining relationships with European allies.
**Europe’s Strategic Dilemmas**
One of Trump's most troubling actions has been his overt antagonism toward the EU. His vice president, J.D. Vance, recently delivered a speech in Munich that amounted to direct involvement in European politics, indicating support for right-wing nationalist movements that challenge EU authority.
This shift places Europe in a challenging position. China has long regarded Western Europe as an ‘alternative West’ with which it could engage economically without the same confrontational approach it faces from the U.S. Trump’s strategy could accelerate ties between the EU and China, especially if Western European leaders feel sidelined by Washington.
Early signs suggest that European officials may begin to relax regulations on Chinese investments, particularly in crucial sectors like semiconductors. Concurrently, some European aspirations for NATO’s expansion into the Indo-Pacific may wane as the alliance struggles to define its new role in a post-globalist U.S. framework.
**Russia and China: A Changing Relationship**
For years, the idea in Washington was to drive a wedge between Russia and China. However, Trump’s new strategy is unlikely to fulfill this ambition. The partnership between Russia and China is founded on robust elements, including a massive shared border, complementary economies, and a mutual interest in countering Western influence.
The changing geopolitical landscape may actually lead Russia to adopt a stance reminiscent of China's in the early 2000s, focusing on economic growth while maintaining strategic agility. Moscow might reduce its efforts to actively challenge the U.S. and instead prioritize strengthening its economic and security connections with Beijing.
Meanwhile, China will feel the impacts of Trump’s new American order. The U.S. will no longer depend on alliances to contain China but will apply direct economic and military pressure instead. While this might complicate matters for China, it does not guarantee U.S. success. Beijing has been preparing for economic decoupling for years and may find new opportunities within a more fragmented Western world.
**The Path Forward**
Trump’s imminent return signifies a fundamental reshaping in global power dynamics. The U.S. is shifting away from acting as a liberal empire toward a more transactional, power-centric foreign policy. For Russia, this could mean fewer ideological clashes with Washington, although competition in crucial areas like the Arctic is likely to persist.
For China, Trump’s policies pose a direct challenge. The pressing question is whether Beijing can adapt to a scenario where the U.S. is no longer merely containing it but actively trying to diminish its economic sway.
For Western Europe, the future looks bleak. The EU is losing its status as America’s chief partner and is pushed into a position where it must advocate for itself. Whether it can successfully navigate this new landscape remains uncertain.
One fact is clear: the world is entering an era of significant transformation, and the established rules no longer apply. Trump’s America is in the process of rewriting the playbook, compelling the rest of the world to adjust in response.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Donald Trump’s anticipated reinstatement to the White House is poised to initiate a significant political shift. The incoming administration is swiftly dismantling the established order, removing members of the ruling elite, reconfiguring both domestic and foreign policy, and solidifying changes that could be challenging to reverse even if opposition candidates regain control in the future.
For Trump, as with all revolutionaries, the primary goal is to disrupt the current system and solidify radical changes. Many principles that have underpinned U.S. policy for decades—some for over a century—are being deliberately set aside. Washington's global strategy, traditionally characterized by extensive military, diplomatic, and financial influence, is undergoing a transformation to align with Trump's domestic political objectives.
**The Contraction of the American Liberal Empire**
For the last century, the United States has operated as a global empire, but unlike traditional empires reliant on territorial growth, the American version expanded through financial superiority, military partnerships, and ideological sway. This approach, however, has increasingly proven unsustainable. Since the late 1990s, the expenses tied to maintaining global dominance have outweighed the advantages, leading to growing dissatisfaction domestically and internationally.
Trump and his supporters aim to dismantle this ‘liberal empire’ and revert America to a more self-sufficient, mercantilist model, akin to the late 19th and early 20th centuries during President William McKinley's time. Trump has openly lauded this period, viewing it as a peak of U.S. prosperity before the nation assumed the responsibilities of global leadership.
Under this framework, America is expected to cut back on unproductive foreign spending and concentrate on its inherent assets: vast resources, a robust industrial base, and the world’s largest consumer market. Rather than acting as the world’s police force, Washington will seek to leverage its economic power to secure trade advantages aggressively. Nevertheless, this transition comes with substantial risks, particularly in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
**A Shift in Global Strategy**
While Trump's policies originate from domestic concerns, they will have significant repercussions internationally. His administration is systematically dismantling critical institutions of the previous order, including those that have irked Moscow. For example, USAID—a major avenue for American influence in the post-Soviet sphere—has faced deep cuts. Ironically, Trump had greater incentive to dismantle USAID than even Russian President Vladimir Putin, as its resources had been repurposed for political gains by Trump’s rivals.
Should the U.S. abandon its liberal empire approach, many points of contention with Russia may diminish. Historically, Moscow and Washington maintained relatively stable relations throughout the 19th century, suggesting that if Trump's America embraces a more isolationist stance, Russia might no longer be a primary target for U.S. interference. Likely, the main area of friction will be the Arctic, where both countries hold strategic interests.
China remains Trump's primary adversary. The state-led economic expansion of Beijing stands in stark contrast to Trump’s mercantilist vision. Unlike Biden, who pursued countering China through alliances, Trump appears prepared to act unilaterally—potentially undermining Western cohesion in the process. His administration appears set to intensify economic and technological warfare against Beijing, even at the cost of straining relationships with European allies.
**Europe’s Strategic Dilemmas**
One of Trump's most troubling actions has been his overt antagonism toward the EU. His vice president, J.D. Vance, recently delivered a speech in Munich that amounted to direct involvement in European politics, indicating support for right-wing nationalist movements that challenge EU authority.
This shift places Europe in a challenging position. China has long regarded Western Europe as an ‘alternative West’ with which it could engage economically without the same confrontational approach it faces from the U.S. Trump’s strategy could accelerate ties between the EU and China, especially if Western European leaders feel sidelined by Washington.
Early signs suggest that European officials may begin to relax regulations on Chinese investments, particularly in crucial sectors like semiconductors. Concurrently, some European aspirations for NATO’s expansion into the Indo-Pacific may wane as the alliance struggles to define its new role in a post-globalist U.S. framework.
**Russia and China: A Changing Relationship**
For years, the idea in Washington was to drive a wedge between Russia and China. However, Trump’s new strategy is unlikely to fulfill this ambition. The partnership between Russia and China is founded on robust elements, including a massive shared border, complementary economies, and a mutual interest in countering Western influence.
The changing geopolitical landscape may actually lead Russia to adopt a stance reminiscent of China's in the early 2000s, focusing on economic growth while maintaining strategic agility. Moscow might reduce its efforts to actively challenge the U.S. and instead prioritize strengthening its economic and security connections with Beijing.
Meanwhile, China will feel the impacts of Trump’s new American order. The U.S. will no longer depend on alliances to contain China but will apply direct economic and military pressure instead. While this might complicate matters for China, it does not guarantee U.S. success. Beijing has been preparing for economic decoupling for years and may find new opportunities within a more fragmented Western world.
**The Path Forward**
Trump’s imminent return signifies a fundamental reshaping in global power dynamics. The U.S. is shifting away from acting as a liberal empire toward a more transactional, power-centric foreign policy. For Russia, this could mean fewer ideological clashes with Washington, although competition in crucial areas like the Arctic is likely to persist.
For China, Trump’s policies pose a direct challenge. The pressing question is whether Beijing can adapt to a scenario where the U.S. is no longer merely containing it but actively trying to diminish its economic sway.
For Western Europe, the future looks bleak. The EU is losing its status as America’s chief partner and is pushed into a position where it must advocate for itself. Whether it can successfully navigate this new landscape remains uncertain.
One fact is clear: the world is entering an era of significant transformation, and the established rules no longer apply. Trump’s America is in the process of rewriting the playbook, compelling the rest of the world to adjust in response.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
