politics
Trump Foreign Policy Approach May Limit Russia's Global Power Projection
An article in Foreign Affairs magazine states that President Trump's approach to international institutions and use of military force against Iran and Venezuela could erode Russia's ability to project power. Russia has long sought to revise the international order while relying on bodies like the UN Security Council for leverage.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has pursued a revisionist foreign policy since the end of the Cold War, seeking to reshape Europe's security architecture, influence smaller neighbors and challenge the United States and Europe in multilateral forums.
The Kremlin has criticized the rules-based international order as a tool of U.S. hegemony and positioned Russia as a leader in promoting a multipolar world. This approach reached a peak with the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump has criticized international institutions, withdrawn the United States from dozens of UN agencies, reduced their funding and created a rival body called the Board of Peace.
The United States has also asserted rights to coerce or attack smaller countries. While this alignment might appear advantageous to Putin in the short term, the magazine said it could undermine Russia's long-term strategy. Russia's approach relied on operating without constraints while expecting the United States to adhere to international rules.
Putin has used veto power on the UN Security Council to exert influence and has selectively participated in multilateral mechanisms.
Russia has clashed with the United States and its allies in bodies such as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons over issues involving Syria. It built support among countries critical of Western dominance and disrupted the functioning of legacy institutions.
At the same time, Russia has guarded its permanent seat on the UN Security Council. After the invasion of Ukraine, it initially coordinated with Western members on issues including sanctions on Haitian gangs and aid to Afghanistan. It later used its veto to support allies in Mali, North Korea and Syria.
In September 2024, Russian diplomats attempted to block adoption of the Pact for the Future at the UN General Assembly. The effort complicated negotiations although the pact was ultimately adopted. Russia has also promoted alternative formats. It joined Iran and Turkey in the Astana Process for Syria, which overshadowed the UN-led Geneva Process.
