The balance of global politics is constantly evolving, and these shifts often lead to the emergence and decline of power centers. The recent positions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump, his focus on key global issues, and America’s new approach towards its strategic rivals are clear indicators of these changes. From the beginning of his second term, it appears that Trump seeks to reevaluate the United States’ strategic policies from a new perspective and make fresh calculations for geopolitical balance. As part of these efforts, on February 12, he held an important telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising numerous questions among international observers.
Although the official agenda of the discussion included global security, economic cooperation, and energy issues, analysts believe that Trump is attempting to weaken the close relationship between Russia and China that has significantly strengthened over the past few years. Given the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia’s economic difficulties due to Western sanctions, and China’s rapid economic expansion, it seems that Washington aims to offer Moscow new alternatives to distance itself from Beijing. If this attempt succeeds, it could reshape the global political equation and introduce a new strategic stance for the U.S. against its main competitors.
The current state of global politics is taking on a new form of competition among the U.S., China, and Russia. Since the end of World War II, the U.S. has been the dominant economic and military power, but China’s rapid growth has altered this equation. China has now emerged as the world’s second-largest economic power, actively working to expand its global influence through economic, technological, and trade policies. Meanwhile, although Russia has been weakened by economic sanctions, its relationship with China has expanded significantly since the start of the Ukraine war. For Washington, this growing alliance between Moscow and Beijing is becoming increasingly unacceptable, prompting efforts to shift Russian foreign policy.
Trump, known for breaking traditional political norms, aims to redefine America’s role in global politics. He has long believed that the U.S. should reassess its global role, reduce its commitments to defending allies, and adopt a new approach toward its competitors. Now that he is back in office, he is trying to leverage Russia’s potential alignment to gain a strategic advantage for the U.S. If Moscow chooses to move closer to Washington, the effects will extend far beyond the Ukraine war, impacting several key international equations.
If Russia and the U.S. strengthen their relations, the shift will also have direct consequences for Afghanistan. Afghanistan shares a long border with China and remains a focal point in regional geopolitical dynamics. If the U.S. intensifies efforts to counter China’s influence through Russia, Afghanistan could once again become a center of international rivalries. It is also possible that Washington will reassess its stance on Afghanistan, viewing it through a new strategic lens to enhance its influence in the region.
Historically, Afghanistan has remained under the shadow of global political games, but it must now capitalize on these changes to its advantage. Safeguarding national sovereignty, maintaining a policy of neutrality, and maximizing economic opportunities should be Afghanistan’s primary objectives. If global politics is heading toward a new transformation, it is crucial for Afghans to stay out of power struggles and adopt a clear strategy for national stability and development.
The recent telephone conversation between Trump and Putin could mark the beginning of a new chapter in global politics. If Trump’s efforts to bring Russia closer to the U.S. prove successful, this will reshape the geopolitical balance among the U.S., China, and Russia. Such a shift would not only impact international politics but also Afghanistan’s future, as competition among major world powers has always had direct consequences for smaller nations. Afghanistan must carefully navigate these geopolitical shifts, uphold its independence, and protect itself from the adverse effects of global rivalries.
