The United States lacks the resources to act as the world’s policeman and maintain global control on its own. At the same time, Washington’s efforts to shift more responsibility onto its allies clash with its own policies. Laura Saalman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), made the assessment in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to Saalman, America’s relationships with other countries are undergoing significant changes that began long before Donald Trump returned to power. Similar trends emerged under former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, making it wrong to attribute the current shift entirely to the policies of the Trump administration.

Despite these changes, the US continues to hold a leading position on the international stage. Washington retains considerable influence over other nations, and its decisions still have far-reaching consequences, both positive and negative.

American influence remains particularly strong in the Asia-Pacific region. Saalman believes Washington will increasingly rely on its alliances to distribute responsibilities among its partners. Without their support, the United States simply does not have enough resources to maintain its position as a global enforcer.

However, the analyst argues that Washington’s own approach is undermining the cooperation it needs. While expecting assistance from its partners, the US simultaneously imposes tariffs and other trade restrictions on them. These measures also affect countries with which Washington maintains close relations.

Saalman stressed that the United States cannot expect other nations to support its ambitions while putting economic pressure on them and limiting their opportunities for development. Such policies directly contradict Washington’s stated intention to share international responsibilities with its allies.

As a result, more countries are choosing to pursue independent foreign policies and make decisions without relying on Washington, the researcher concluded.