Revised Article
Puttin' Things Back in Order: An Analysis by Former NATO Ambassador Ivo Daalder
"Previously appointed diplomat emphasizes that success in Ukraine is crucial to challenge China and Russia"
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and President Donald Trump's approach to ending it are under scrutiny, according to former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder, as he breaks it down on 'Fox Report.'
Meanwhile, former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) James Gilmore is encouraging the Trump administration to redirect funds previously allocated to USAID for combating the increasing global power of China and Russia.
Gilmore believes strategic aid reform, not simply budget cuts, is necessary. "The world we shape today will be the one we inherit tomorrow," Gilmore stresses. In an interview with our digital platform, he emphasizes, "If we abandon foreign assistance, the new world will be dominated by our adversaries."
A power trio: Presidents Donald Trump (US), Vladimir Putin (Russia), and Xi Jinping (China) (Reuters)
PETE MAROCCO'S PARTING SHOT: USAID'S DEMOLITION CREW DEPARTS THE STATE DEPARTMENT
Gilmore's concerns extend beyond USAID funding cuts. He is also alarmed by the rising tide of isolationism within the Republican party as America's opponents leverage their "soft power" to extend their reach.
"When America retreats from global leadership, chaos prevails, and our enemies prosper," Gilmore cautions. In an op-ed, he adds that weak states provide a breeding ground for terrorism and narcotics trafficking.
As China escalates its global initiatives, Russia follows suit, particularly in Africa. In February 2024, Russia shipped over 220,000 tons of free grain to six African nations, according to Reuters. By November 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged Africa his country's unwavering support in fighting terrorism and extremism, as reported by the BBC.
China, too, has prioritized Africa with substantial economic investments. The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition reported a 525% increase in Chinese development spending over the past 15 years. In September 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion in funding over the next three years, according to Reuters.
The ongoing Ukraine war is, according to Gilmore, a "watershed moment" in the global conflict between democracies and authoritarian regimes, with Ukraine at the forefront, bracing for an imminent clash between freedom and tyranny. "If Ukraine falls, Putin will further his ambition of reestablishing the Russian empire," Gilmore warns, "A defeat in Ukraine will require even more resources to safeguard our allies."
Rachel Wolf, a breaking news writer for our digital platform and FOX Business, discusses the escalating global power game being played by China and Russia.
ENRICHMENT INSIGHTS:
China's Growing Influence in Africa: China has been significantly expanding its economic influence in Africa through strategic investments, close partnerships with key countries, and diplomatic engagement. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is one such example that fosters economic integration and access to strategic resources.
Russia's Strategic Moves in Africa: Russia seeks to deepen ties with African nations through economic expansion, military and security partnerships, and aggressive geopolitical strategy. Commodities like arms and minerals are primary focuses for both Russia and China, as they strive to counter Western influence by extending their reach in Africa.
[1] Moscow Tries to Undercut European Sanctions on Moscow — Analyzing Russia’s Attempt to Counter EU Sanctions on Steel and Metals Imported to the EU (Brookings Institution)
[2] Vladimir Putin challenges the West’s position in Africa (The Guardian)
[3] Russia’s Moves to Counter U.S. Influence in Africa and Differentiate Its Diplomacy from China’s (The Diplomat)
[4] The West's Responses to Chinese and Russian Interference in Africa (Soufan Center)
- In response to Russia's attempts to counter EU sanctions, a Brookings Institution analysis sheds light on Moscow's strategies.
- The Guardian reports Vladimir Putin's challenge to the West's position in Africa as he intensifies Russian influence.
- The Diplomat discusses Russia's diplomatic efforts to differentiate itself from China's influence in Africa.
- The Soufan Center explores the West's responses to Chinese and Russian interference in Africa.
- Rachel Wolf, a breaking news writer, discusses the growing influence of China and Russia in Africa, examining both countries' strategic moves in the region. president trump, donald trump, foxtrot, policy, politics, world news, Fox Report, Ivo Daalder, budget cut, assistance, conflict, dialogue, foreign policy, international relations, Russia, Ukraine, China, Asia, USAID, Gilmore, international aid, Africa,iska jinping, western influence, competition, economy, geopolitics, sanctions, strategic partnership, military partnership, commodities, mineral resources, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), diplomacy, EU sanctions, Ohio Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), global leadership, authoritarian regimes, NATO, national security, policy-and-legislation, war-and-conflicts, general-news, isolationism, terrorism,narcotics trafficking, commodity, arms, minerals, The Diplomat, The Soufan Center, the Guardian, powerplay, global power game, diplomatic engagement.
