I looked at what Steve Witkoff said in an interview with Tucker Carlson. In general, nothing new. Especially after Witkoff called “Putin a great leader.” The Trump administration decided to flirt with Putin, because that way there is a better chance of a peace agreement. At least, that’s what they think. It’s not worth reflecting on these resonant statements, because tomorrow we may hear something completely opposite.
This approach of the American negotiating team is also not new. But there have certainly been radical changes in US foreign policy.
A number of events, including a conversation in the Oval Office with the President of Ukraine, the Munich speech of the US Vice President and direct warm relations with Putin, despite his barbaric aggression against Ukraine and much more, symbolize the end of the world order that we have known in recent decades.
An epochal shift, which in its historical consequences may have a greater impact on the world than the fall of the Berlin Wall. And here we should no longer be surprised, let alone offended. There is no point in it anymore. We need to adapt and prepare.
In fact, America reluctantly took on the role of world leader. An isolationist country did not enter World War II for a very long time, but then it took full advantage of the window of opportunity. It is worth recognizing the role of the USA in post-war economic growth, scientific discoveries and life without major wars. Regardless of who was in power, Republicans or Democrats, the USA has never abandoned its role as a defender of democracy against dictatorships all over the planet.
In this new world, it is no longer an axiom for the USA that democracies are better allies than dictatorships; that territorial aggression must be punished, and that alliances and allies are a great advantage, not a financial burden.
These thoughts are not new to the United States. The author of the slogan “America First” Patrick Buchanan has been talking about the death of the West for decades. His ideas were ignored for a long time, which is why he left the Republican Party back in 2000. But now the influence of his thoughts on the formation of US foreign policy is obvious. By the way, on February 26, 2022, Buchanan wrote an article “Putin warned us”, where he explained the reasons for the aggression against Ukraine by the fact that… Putin did not want to go to war with the United States, which could happen if Ukraine joined NATO. Russia began bombing Ukraine to save the States! And such a vision is far from marginal for many in the Trump administration.
The idea of waiting 4 years until Trump’s term ends is not an option. He and his team clearly know what they are doing. And this is not only the “Project 2025” plan, but also a very active attack on the institutions of deterrence that Americans were so proud of. It is also worth paying attention to the coalition that brought Trump to power. Not only did MAGA already understand, but there are also radical religious groups, technocratic oligarchs, extreme conservatives, lovers of various conspiracy theories, and everyone who hates the “global state.” In addition, the “Trumpization” of American society has taken place, which cannot but affect the position of the Democratic Party.
Therefore, we must recognize the fact that the Americans call the emergence of the “new sheriff.” He is different, more brutal, pragmatic, in places with gangster habits. But just as strong. Indeed, values have faded into the background. But military production and technology, economic power, intelligence, and much more have not gone anywhere. And it is simply impossible to replace this in the short and medium term.
We need to start studying the works of American conservatives. Peter Navarro, Pew Buchanan, and many other ideologists of “Trumpism” have many different ideas. To study, to learn to cooperate, to adapt somewhere, to look for someone with whom they will communicate, to expand the number of contacts. All for the sake of the result. Because for us this is not just a question of a tectonic shift in the world order. This is a question of the existence of the state.
No matter how shocking individual statements or actions may be, we must communicate and convey our position. Russian and American right-wing conservatives are now actively approaching each other. We see that Trump and his chief negotiator, Witkoff, often repeat the theses of Russian propaganda. And with whom on our side do they communicate? It seems that with no one. This is bad. And it needs to be urgently corrected.
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“We can be the richest and most powerful nation and still lose the world battle if we do not help our neighbors around the world to protect their freedom and promote their social and economic progress,” said Dwight Eisenhower. And his successor, John F. Kennedy, promised that “America will pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to ensure the survival and success of freedom.” That is already the past.
The world will no longer be the same as it was after World War II. I would not be surprised if the end of these 80 years is summed up by Donald Trump’s participation in the parade on Moscow’s Red Square. It will be very symbolic, although disgusting…
Alexander Lomako,
“Desna Wave”
