Putinization of the World
Can Trump and Musk out-Putin Putin?
Kremlin insiders have a term for this phenomenon: the “Putinization” of global politics. Just three years ago, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it would have been unthinkable for US public figures to flirt so openly with ideas like annexing a sovereign nation. Such talk seemed firmly relegated to the dustbin of the 19th century. But post-February 2022, this is the new norm of the 21st century.
When Putin invaded Ukraine, he didn’t lose. He wasn’t overthrown, stripped of his billions, or held accountable for his aggression. Instead, he emerged looking stronger—at least in the eyes of Russia’s elites. And that, according to prominent businessmen in Moscow, makes him an irresistible blueprint for success. The brash violator of all conventions becomes the alpha role model. Bullying, once taboo as a diplomatic strategy, is now a burgeoning trend.
My new article in Vanity Fair explores what people in the Kremlin think about the latest developments in the US.
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-musk-russia-putin
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Trump Assures Americans They’ll Hardly Notice U.S. Democracy Collapsing If They’re Too Busy Blaming Immigrants
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Donald Trump's recent statement on Truth Social, urging Americans to focus less on Vladimir Putin and more on domestic issues, is a blatant attempt to divert attention from his alarming pro-Putin stance, which undermines U.S. foreign policy and global democratic values.
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Historically, the United States has championed democracy and opposed authoritarian regimes. From the Cold War era to the present, U.S. foreign policy has been rooted in supporting sovereign nations against oppressive powers. Trump's recent actions starkly contrast this legacy. His administration's opposition to a United Nations resolution demanding Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine aligns the U.S. with Kremlin justifications for the invasion, signaling a disturbing shift in our nation's stance on international aggression.
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Furthermore, Trump's recent interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlight his disregard for democratic allies. In a contentious meeting, Trump humiliated Zelensky and dismissed Ukraine's NATO aspirations, effectively endorsing Russian aggression. This behavior not only alienates our allies but also emboldens authoritarian leaders like Putin.
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Trump's consistent praise for Putin, referring to him as "genius" and "savvy" during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, raises serious concerns about his allegiance to democratic principles. By shifting focus to exaggerated domestic threats, Trump attempts to distract from his administration's failure to confront genuine international dangers posed by authoritarian regimes.
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In conclusion, Trump's recent rhetoric is a dangerous deflection from critical global issues. His pro-Putin stance not only betrays America's historical commitment to democracy but also jeopardizes global stability by empowering despotic leaders. It is imperative that we recognize and challenge these actions to uphold the values upon which our nation was built.
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Trump talks about himself and Putin as if they were star crossed lovers that nobody believed in but the two of them. 💕They went through it together! 💕 I doubt Putin gave a crap about the Russia investigation because there was no downside for him. In fact, it drove Trump to embrace him more. Also, Trump talked about Hunter Biden as though he had anything to do with the Russia ties that Mueller investigated. The whole thing was bizarre.