The ”reverse Nixon” strategy according to some sources represents a potentially significant reorientation of American foreign policy during Trump 2 (he has repeatedly expressed this objective) with far-reaching implications. While there may be a deliberate strategy at work rather than merely erratic decision-making, the approach faces considerable challenges given the fundamental differences between today’s geopolitical landscape and that of 1972.
This strategy should it really exist would create troubling uncertainties for European allies, particularly those in Eastern Europe. If the United States calculates that cooperation with Russia against China outweighs its traditional NATO commitments, the security architecture that has underpinned European stability for decades could be at risk. This possibility demands careful consideration from European policymakers, who may need to develop more autonomous security capabilities and diplomatic strategies to navigate this shifting landscape.
The resumption of US aid to Ukraine alongside ceasefire negotiations demonstrates the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of this approach. They may be seen as part of a multifaceted pressure campaign combining both military and diplomatic elements to achieve broader strategic objectives.