Exploitation of US Shift in Foreign Policy
Vladimir Putin has long been regarded as a strategic leader on the global stage. With a combination of calculated diplomacy, military assertiveness, and economic influence, the Russian president has strategically turned geopolitical shifts to his advantage at the expense of unity in the West and US global influence. Recently, changes in US foreign policy have given Putin new opportunities to expand Russia’s influence and become politically stronger. For decades, Putin has consistently used changes in US foreign policies to promote Russia’s interests. This has included Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and more. As the United States is shifting its global stance by swinging between offering and taking away aid to foreign countries, Putin has seized opportunities to reposition Russia as a key player on the world stage.
Post-Cold War
Upon the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States was left as the single superpower in the world. However, this moment was very short-lived. By the 2000s, the US had found its resources drained in very costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, emptying its coffers for foreign aid. Then, the 2008 financial crisis further weakened America’s standing, creating opportunities for rising powers to stake their claims.
Putin who came back to power as president in 2012 after a brief term as prime minister saw these developments as opportunities to reclaim Russia’s position of influence. The 2014 annexation of Crimea was a bold move that tested the limits of Western resolve. While the US and EU imposed sanctions, the lack of a robust military response emboldened Moscow. Crimea symbolized the resurgence of Russia and a symbol of America’s waning influence in Eastern Europe.
Changes in Government
When Donald Trump became US president in 2016, things got even more interesting. Trump’s “America First” approach meant he was skeptical of international alliances like NATO and preferred making deals one-on-one with other countries, creating tension within the Western alliance.
While the US Congress kept up pressure on Russia with sanctions, Trump’s frequent criticism of NATO and his friendly gestures toward Putin made European leaders unsure of where they stood with America. This uncertainty gave Putin room to act aggressively in Ukraine and Syria, without facing a united front from the West.
Joe Biden’s election in 2020 brought promises of a return to traditional US foreign policy, including stronger support for NATO and a tougher line on Russia. However domestic issues and rivalry with China left less attention and resources for dealing with Russia.
Putin took advantage of this situation. The buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine’s border in late 2021 and the full-scale invasion in February 2022 were bold moves that tested the West’s resolve. While the US and Europe responded with harsh sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, Putin’s actions showed his willingness to take big risks. The war has also highlighted Europe’s reliance on Russian energy, at least until it can find other sources, giving Putin another card to play. This war continues to date, causing global unrest.
Strategic Alliances
The US is noted for its withdrawal from international commitments periodically. This is one of the shifts that Russia takes advantage of. The focus on domestic issues and a hesitance to get involved in foreign disputes have often created power vacuums that Russia is quick to exploit.
For example, when the US declared its intention to withdraw from Syria in 2019, Russia swiftly stepped in, establishing itself as a military power within the area. Russia supported the Ba’athist administration of former President Bashar al-Assad of Syria from the onset of the Syrian conflict till 2024, with direct military involvement. By backing the Assad regime, Moscow secured its naval base in Tartus and extended its influence throughout the Middle East. It strengthened ties with countries like Iran and Turkey.
A similar trend was observed in Afghanistan. When the US exited in 2021, it was interpreted by many as a sign of decreasing American dedication to its global partnerships. In light of this, Russia strengthened its diplomatic and military relationships with Central Asian countries, taking advantage of regional instability to position itself as a stabilizing force.
Energy
Energy has long been a cornerstone of Russia’s geopolitical strategy. As Europe sought to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, Putin turned to Asia, signing lucrative deals with China and India. The war in Ukraine has accelerated this shift, with Russia redirecting energy exports to non-Western markets. Meanwhile, Europe’s efforts to secure other sources of energy supplies have driven up global energy prices, benefiting Russia. Putin’s ability to weaponize energy has also been evident in his dealings with Europe. Russia has quickly exploited any cracks caused by energy diplomacy and strategic cooperation to divide allied countries. Despite resistance from the United States, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was an example of such a division. Germany’s support for the project showed how Russian economic influence could override Western unity. Russia used Europe’s energy dependence on Russian gas as a political and economic bargaining chip.
Chinese Relations
As tensions between the US and China have grown, Putin has moved closer to Beijing. In February 2022, Russia and China declared a ‘No limits’ partnership highlighting their shared goal of countering American influence. While China’s economy is much larger than Russia’s, Putin has used this relationship to strengthen his position on the global stage.
The partnership has brought Russia benefits such as increased trade and diplomatic support.
Putin’s geopolitical maneuvering shows his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. By taking advantage of shifts in US foreign policy, he has positioned Russia as a resilient and resourceful power in an increasingly multi-polar world. There are risks involved, however, including long-term economic and human costs, especially with the continuing war.
As the US adjusts its global role, the challenge for Western policymakers will be to create a good strategy that counters Putin’s ambitions without escalating tensions to dangerous levels. The world anxiously awaits Putin’s next move.
