U. S. President Donald Trump is increasingly being viewed as a new rival to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the use of concentrated and largely unchecked power on the global stage, according to a recent analytical article published by The New York Times. The report explores how Washington’s evolving posture under Trump could challenge Moscow’s long-standing geopolitical strategy.
For years, Vladimir Putin has leveraged Russia’s military force, political risk-taking, and disregard for traditional diplomatic constraints to expand influence abroad. Analysts argue that Trump’s willingness to act unilaterally and aggressively now places the United States in a similar role — but with far greater military, economic, and technological power than Russia possesses.
The central question posed by the New York Times is stark: if the United States begins acting like Russia, where does that leave Putin? While Trump’s approach may benefit the Kremlin when U.S. and Russian interests align, experts warn it could quickly undermine Moscow if the two leaders diverge. Washington’s dominance in global trade, finance, and military reach gives Trump tools Putin cannot match.
Fiona Hill, a former senior White House official responsible for Russia and Europe during Trump’s first term, said the U.S. is effectively signaling to Moscow that it is willing to play by the same rules. However, she warned that Putin may face a new challenge if Trump attempts to “out-Putin” him on the world stage.
Other analysts note that Trump’s influence over major U.S. technology billionaires and multinational corporations further amplifies American power in ways Russia cannot replicate. Thomas Graham, a former White House adviser, suggested that Putin’s reported invitation to Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” could weaken Russia’s global standing, particularly given Moscow’s permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Experts also stress that Trump’s ambitions appear global, not confined to specific spheres of influence. From the Western Hemisphere to Europe, analysts argue Trump seeks to maximize U.S. leverage wherever it can be defended, reshaping global power dynamics in the process.
The evolving rivalry highlights a new era of competition between Washington and Moscow — not just over influence, but over who defines the rules of power itself.