Trump's Strategy BackFires /Lt Col Daniel Davis & Jennifer Kavanagh

Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store

Analyst Jennifer Kavanagh noted that while U.S. officials often frame China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran as an “axis” against America, there’s little evidence of deep coordination. Still, events like the Beijing parade, where leaders like Xi, Putin, and Kim appeared together, contrast with recent U.S.-European meetings and highlight shifting global power balances.

She argued U.S. foreign policy—sanctions and efforts to isolate rivals—actually pushes these countries closer. Despite claims of isolation, Putin appears well-connected internationally. Kavanagh suggested the U.S. should shift from punitive approaches toward normalization and coexistence: ending the Ukraine war, reopening talks with adversaries, and easing pressure on countries like India.

Putin also emphasized that major states such as China and India cannot afford to look weak under U.S. pressure due to domestic political realities. India, for example, resists Trump’s tariff threats and maintains close ties with Russia, even deepening them. This reflects the broader erosion of U.S. “unipolar” dominance, as more countries have alternatives and are less willing to yield to Washington.