80th anniversary of the Yalta Conference coincides with time when that very order is under strain

(MENAFN) The 80th anniversary of the Yalta Conference, which established the framework for the post-World War II international order, coincides with a time when that very order is under strain. The conflict in Ukraine serves as a clear example of the breakdown of this system. In the United States, a "cultural revolution" is reshaping foreign policy, as the trump administration moves away from the traditional role the US has played as a global hegemon. Trump’s approach has radically shifted Washington’s foreign policy paradigm, openly challenging previously unthinkable ideas about America's role in the world.

For Russia, the end of the Cold War marked dissatisfaction with the unipolar world order that emerged from the post-war settlement. The institutions set up at Yalta and Potsdam became ineffective in dealing with the increasing dominance of the US, leading to a breakdown in the global system. The current global crisis, exemplified by the Ukraine conflict, reflects this inability to adapt. While the Ukraine war has global significance, it highlights the changing global dynamics, with rising powers like China asserting influence. The world is no longer solely shaped by Euro-Atlantic powers, and emerging economies now hold considerable sway in global matters.

Trump's transactional approach to governance, which prioritizes practical, quick outcomes over complex negotiations, has found success in certain regions like Latin America and the Middle East. However, this approach is less effective in deep-rooted conflicts such as Ukraine, where history and culture complicate simple solutions. Trump's rejection of the idea that the US must control the world paves the way for new discussions on spheres of influence—similar to the territorial agreements made at Yalta and Potsdam. While today's geopolitical situation is far more intricate, the recognition that the US cannot dominate every region opens opportunities for dialogue.

Trump's shift in US foreign policy reflects broader changes in America's global strategy. There is growing acknowledgment that the costs of global omnipresence are unsustainable, which could have significant implications for US-Russia relations and overall global stability. However, unlike in 1945 when shared moral principles and goals underpinned negotiations, today's world is fragmented, making consensus difficult. The challenge now is managing a multipolar world, where no single ideology or power dominates the global narrative.

MENAFN10022025000045015687ID1109187887