The American election outcome is unlikely to bring about any significant change as both candidates are committed to maintaining US dominance on the global stage. Despite the sensational events surrounding the campaign, such as lawsuits and assassination attempts, the core strategy of upholding American leadership remains intact. The ongoing structural confrontation with Russia and China is set to continue, as evident in the proposed record-breaking defense budget. The rhetoric surrounding the election has grown more intense, with provocative statements like Pompeo’s “forced peace” plan for Ukraine stirring controversy. However, such rhetoric serves more to mobilize support rather than indicate long-term policy intentions. The collision of interests between Washington and Kiev reveals a complex dynamic where Ukraine serves as a strategic pawn for US foreign policy objectives. Russian military planning is geared towards maintaining strategic rivalry with the US, regardless of the election outcome.
By Andrey Sushentsov, program director at the Valdai Club.
This article was first published by Valdai Discussion Club, translated and edited by the RT team.