His ultimate vision of a new world order might be some combination of power in which the U.S. takes absolute control of the Western sphere of influence and weighs in heavily on global affairs with other great powers.

The Quad has evolved into a coalition with increasing military cooperation and shared concerns over China’s rising power, though India’s reluctance to fully engage in a military alliance limits the group's effectiveness in countering China's influence in the Asia-Pacific.

If Europe fails to awaken and respond to its humiliating rejection by the United States, it will lose not only its seat at the table for Ukraine-Russia peace talks but also its status as a leading player in the future multipolar world.

European delegates to security conference, reacting to a disturbing speech by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, say privately that it’s clear the continent must gradually break with the United States. The reduction of America’s strategic investment in Europe is accelerating Europe’s search for autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world.

The Israelis have two primary war objectives: the complete elimination of Hamas and the rescue of all hostages. But these goals are inherently contradictory and cannot be pursued at the same time. Israel is thus faced with a difficult choice about which to prioritize.

Ukraine crisis lingers as the transatlantic alliance faces an uncertain future. Meanwhile, the international order is undergoing a profound restructuring as the sand shifts under traditional commitments by the United States and as Europe seeks greater autonomy.

Any lasting solution to the conflict will require consultation with all parties concerned and will be much more complex and difficult than simply putting forth hypothetical scenarios.

The war is unlikely to end according to the timeline of the incoming U.S. president. Imposing his Ukraine plan on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could give Russia an opportunity to rearm, thereby raising hurdles for the United States and its NATO allies.

The most prominent characteristic of the incoming U.S. president is uncertainty. China, especially, must drop all illusions and prepare to compete so that it can sit tight in the fishing boat and steer it to safety. The wind and waves are likely to rise under a more experienced — and possibly less restrained — American chief executive.

When he enters the White House, Donald Trump is going to need a resolution of the Ukraine conflict. But Russia’s decision-makers are unlikely to yield to him. Even if Trump got his way, the underlying issues between Russia and the West would persist.