Publicado em 2025-02-12 20:14:54
Vladimir Putin has long played a strategic and calculated game on the global stage. His goal? To restore Russia’s former glory, undermine Western democracies, and expand his sphere of influence. However, with Donald Trump back in power, the geopolitical landscape becomes even more unpredictable. Rather than opposing Putin’s ambitions, Trump’s approach may actually facilitate them, posing a direct threat to Europe, the United States, and global stability.
Putin does not rely solely on traditional military conquests; his strategy is based on creating instability and division within the Western world. His methods include:
Trump’s foreign policy, marked by isolationism and disdain for traditional alliances, plays directly into Putin’s hands, weakening the democratic front against authoritarianism.
During Trump’s first presidency, his reluctance to criticize Putin raised concerns. His admiration for strongman leaders and his skepticism of NATO suggested a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. If Trump now actively disengages from European security, Putin gains a significant advantage.
Possible consequences include:
How should the West respond to this dangerous situation? So far, reactions have been inconsistent and hesitant. Economic sanctions have hurt Russia, but they have not stopped Putin’s ambitions. Military aid to Ukraine has been significant, yet Putin continues his offensive. If Trump removes U.S. backing from Ukraine or NATO, the situation could worsen dramatically.
For the West to counter this threat, it must:
The combination of Trump’s isolationism and Putin’s expansionism creates a highly volatile situation. If the West does not act decisively, Russia will continue to push boundaries, testing how far it can go before encountering real resistance.
The question is: will the democratic world rise to the challenge, or will it allow authoritarianism to spread unchecked?
History has shown that ignoring aggressors only emboldens them. The time for indecision is over—Europe and its allies must stand firm before it’s too late.
Francisco Gonçalves
e-mail: francis.goncalves@gmail.com