In a move signaling a shift in US foreign policy priorities, Asia is emerging as Washington’s focal point, overshadowing the waning interest in Ukraine. In this case, America may intensify its activities targeting China and give provocation through Taiwan in particular thus pushing the South China Sea into the imminent battleground. There would also be increased overt and covert activities of the United States in Hong Kong while with the help of Tokyo and Seoul, Washington may made fresher attempts of unseating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and plant its puppet regime in that country. Meanwhile, the unexpected resignation of Victoria Nuland, former US Deputy Secretary of State, has sparked speculation and conspiracy theories, underscoring the evolving dynamics of global diplomacy.
Nuland’s departure from her prominent position has raised eyebrows, particularly in Moscow, where it is perceived as a consequence of the perceived failure of the “anti-Russian course” and the broader American strategy concerning Ukraine. Russian officials contend that Nuland’s resignation signifies a setback for US efforts to counter Russian influence, particularly in Eastern Europe.
According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Nuland was forced to resign because of the failure of Biden’s course on Russia.
“This is a failure of the policy associated with Nuland, because she was the central figure who pursued a Russophobic policy towards our country, the whole story was tied to Nuland”, Zakharova said. According to her, the outgoing US deputy secretary of state was “not just a high-ranking representative of the State Department, but a key figure in US interagency cooperation”.
“She was a coordinator of anti-Russian sentiment and anti-Russian policy by the United States, especially in the context of Ukraine. I can’t say that she was an ideologue. There are people out there who hate us more, but she really was a coordinator, she is associated with that policy. And that is how they said goodbye to her”, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.
A theory has emerged in Washington that Nuland’s resignation was the result of a power struggle in which she lost the race for the post of first deputy foreign policy chief.
Meanwhile, attention in Washington has shifted towards Kurt Campbell, currently overseeing Indo-Pacific policy, who is poised to assume a more prominent role within the State Department. This transition has prompted media and analysts to interpret it as a clear indication of Asia’s ascendance in US strategic calculus.
Victoria Nuland’s tenure, spanning over three decades within the US State Department, has been marked by her involvement in major international crises, including her prominent role during the 2014 Maidan events in Ukraine. While her resignation came as a surprise, it also prompted reflections on her significant contributions to shaping US foreign policy, particularly in fostering a coalition against Russia following the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauded Nuland’s efforts in advancing America’s global leadership and acknowledged her pivotal role in formulating anti-Russian policies, particularly regarding Ukraine. However, despite her extensive experience and influence, Nuland’s resignation suggests a divergence in priorities within the Biden administration.
In Moscow, Nuland’s departure has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a victory against perceived Russophobic policies, while others speculate about internal power struggles within the US foreign policy establishment. The nomination of Campbell, with his focus on the Indo-Pacific region, has further fueled debates about the long-term trajectory of US foreign policy and its strategic priorities.
Campbell’s nomination underscores a concerted effort to confront the challenges posed by China’s rise, as evidenced by his instrumental role in shaping the Indo-Pacific strategy. Critics argue that his appointment signifies a continuation of Washington’s containment policy towards China, manifested in initiatives such as the AUKUS military alliance and the strengthening of the QUAD group.
The prospect of Campbell’s appointment as a China-focused official has implications for regional dynamics, particularly in fostering closer ties between the United States and regional allies like India. Furthermore, it is anticipated that anti-China activities in the Asian region may intensify under Campbell’s leadership, reflecting Washington’s commitment to countering Beijing’s influence.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, Nuland’s resignation and Campbell’s nomination serve as markers of a broader realignment in US foreign policy towards Asia. The implications of this shift are far-reaching, shaping the dynamics of international relations and the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.
