Though the Pentagon white paper does not directly criticize the president, its findings suggest that Trump’s chaotic foreign policy leanings and relationship with Vladimir Putin have dampened America’s capacity to deter Russian interference
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images Everything from crowdfunding for astronomical medical bills to ensuring the permanence of American soft power seems to be about storytelling these days.
“We still have a story to tell but because we are so polarized and are doubting ourselves we have a narrative problem,” Anna Borshchevskaya, an author of the white paper and senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Politico. “Russia does not.
Though the paper does not directly criticize the president, many of its findings suggest that Trump’s chaotic foreign policy leanings and his relationship with Vladimir Putin have dampened America’s capacity to deter Russian interference within our borders and in allied countries. “Russia’s gray zone tactics are most effective when the target is deeply polarized or lacks the capacity to resist and respond effectively to Russian aggression,” the paper states.
The study also warns of a warming relationship between Russia and China, two countries that share an “authoritarian stability” — not to mention a knack for covert operations. To counter the threat of their renewed alliance, the paper recommends that the U.S. push for “European allies to take the lead for balancing in Europe. The allies’ goal should be deterrence. At the same time, the U.S. should bilaterally engage Russia to peel them away from China’s orbit.
Trump has definitely had his share of bilateral talks with Putin, but it’s unlikely that they live up to the standard put forth by the Pentagon: Last week at the G20 summit in Osaka, the president joked with Putin, pointing his finger and half-heartedly telling him not to meddle in the 2020 election.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pentagon study: Russia outgunning U.S. in race for global influenceA divided America is failing to counter Moscow's efforts to undermine democracy and cast doubt on U.S. alliances, says the report, which warns of a surge in “political warfare.“
Read more »
Novak says Russia, other producers support extending global dealRussian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Saturday that Russia and other o...
Read more »
Putin says Russia will do all it can to improve ties with U.S.Russia's president said on Saturday that Moscow would do all it could to im...
Read more »
Trump is laying groundwork for a new world order built around the US, China and RussiaTrump has begun a process with Russia and China at the G-20 meeting that could bring lasting peace and economic prosperity to the world, writes Michael Ivanovitch.
Read more »
U.S. stock futures jump after U.S. and China agree to resume trade talksU.S. stock futures jumped more than one percent when trading resumed on Sunday, ...
Read more »