By : Shatha kalel
Russia has cautiously welcomed President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy, describing it as “largely consistent” with Moscow’s own worldview. The 33-page document, released by Washington, avoids portraying Russia as a major adversary and instead redirects US criticism toward Europe. For the Kremlin, this marks a notable change after years of strategic hostility across military, political, and trade arenas.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov endorsed the overall tone of the report, calling it a “positive step”, but indicated Moscow will study the strategy further before forming a full conclusion.
A Softer Tone Toward Russia, a Harder One Toward Europe
Instead of emphasizing sanctions or containment, the strategy argues that the United States must work to “re-establish strategic stability with Russia.” It suggests such an approach could “stabilise European economies” and help end the war in Ukraine. The document also criticizes the EU, accusing it of obstructing US peace efforts.
This language has raised alarms among European officials who fear Washington may weaken its support for Kyiv while tolerating Moscow’s influence on regional security. Analysts have even compared parts of the strategy to narratives often found in Russian political messaging.
Identity Politics and Economic Warnings for Europe
A striking element of the document is its cultural and demographic framing. It predicts that Europe will become “unrecognisable in 20 years,” warning of “civilisational erasure” and expressing doubt that some states will maintain strong economies or militaries. Rather than highlighting trade cooperation or economic reform, the text encourages “patriotic European parties,” which many EU governments view as extremists, to strengthen Western identity.
European leaders responded cautiously. German officials stressed that shared values, not cultural debates, should guide strategy. Poland reminded Washington that Europe remains “your closest ally.” Others, including Sweden’s former Prime Minister Carl Bildt, argued the strategy aligns with “the far right,” raising concerns about division within the NATO alliance.
Implications for Global Economic and Security Policy
For the United States
The strategy signals a shift toward transactional alliances, prioritizing military burden-sharing in Asia and Latin America. It calls for higher defense spending from partners in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia, while even suggesting military action targeting drug trafficking in Venezuela. Critics in Congress warn this could weaken long-standing diplomatic ties.
For Russia
A softer US tone may reduce diplomatic isolation and open potential opportunities for negotiation over Ukraine. However, any perceived US-EU split could embolden Russia economically, especially in energy markets, where Moscow seeks to increase its leverage through gas exports and currency diversification.
For Europe
The biggest risk is strategic fragmentation. If the US reduces support for Ukraine or backs nationalist parties, Europe could face:
higher defense costs
weakened collective sanctions policies
economic uncertainty in energy and trade sectors
For the Global Economy
Economic outcomes could be shaped by:
shifting energy alliances between Russia, the EU, and Asia
growing pressure on US allies to fund military investments
potential expansion of sanctions if talks fail
higher global defense spending at the expense of social and development budgets
In short, this strategy may redefine not just military partnerships but also trade flows, resource access, and investment priorities across continents.
Conclusion: A Strategic Realignment with Economic Stakes
Washington’s new strategy reorders its global priorities, softening rhetoric toward Russia while pressuring Europe and demanding more from Asian partners. Whether this becomes a turning point for peace negotiations in Ukraine or a catalyst for deeper global polarization will depend not on ideology, but on diplomacy and economic cooperation in the months ahead. The world now watches how these competing visions of security shape markets, alliances, and stability across the international system.
Economic Studies Unit – North America Office
Center for Linkage Studies and Strategic Research