Trump revives Cold War-era strategy of great power competition

The concept of great power competition, once considered a vestige of the Cold War era, has returned with a vengeance under President Donald Trump's leadership.

In his 2017 National Security Strategy, Trump declared that the US would prioritise its rivalry with major powers like China and Russia, stating that these nations "are contesting our geopolitical advantages and trying to change the international order in their favour", Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

This shift marked a turning point in US foreign policy, steering away from post-Cold War cooperation and towards a more competitive stance. 

The focus on competition continued into the Biden administration, with his 2022 National Security Strategy emphasising the need to "out-compete" China and contain Russia. Despite differing policies, both Trump and Biden agreed on the overarching goal of managing competition with these global powers.

However, upon returning to office in 2025, President Trump has dramatically altered the trajectory he once set. Instead of continuing the competitive posture against China and Russia, Trump is now seeking to cooperate with both nations, striking deals that were previously seen as contrary to US interests. He has publicly pushed for a swift end to the war in Ukraine, even if it means making concessions to Russia, and has signaled a willingness to negotiate directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade and nuclear issues. 

Trump’s foreign policy has also taken an unexpected turn against US allies. The president has put economic pressure on European nations and Canada, while even threatening to seize strategic territories like Greenland and the Panama Canal. His actions suggest a shift from competition to what some analysts describe as "great-power collusion," where strongman leaders work together to impose their own vision of global order.

By Naila Huseynova