A poll conducted in the G-20 group of nations shows Russians back Trump both for his politics and his personal style
This post first appeared on Russia Insider
Donald Trump may have recently become the presumptive nominee of the US Republican party, but he still has a long way to go to make it to the White House. A majority of polls continue to show Hillary Clinton with a significant lead over Trump.
And not only domestically. An survey of opinion carried about among citizens of the G-20 nations show Clinton with more support in every country. Except one - Russia.
That should come as no surprise. Not only have Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump exchanged compliments, but the GOP candidate has consistently struck a more conciliatory tone toward Russia than Hillary, who is supported by the neo-con establishment.
According to Fyodor Lukyanov, head of Russia's Council on Foreign and Defense policy, what Putin himself likes about Trump is his frank and open style, as well as a disdain for political correctness.
But it's more than just a a Putinesque style that explains his popularity in Russia.
In his April 27th foreign policy address Trump used language that has many foreign policy intellectuals in the US running scared, calling for a policy that puts "America first," and calling for a true reset in US-Russian relations, provided Moscow is willing:
We desire to live peacefully and in friendship with Russia and China. We have serious differences with these two nations, and must regard them with open eyes. But we are not bound to be adversaries. We should seek common ground based on shared interests. Russia, for instance, has also seen the horror of Islamic terrorism.
I believe an easing of tensions and improved relations with Russia – from a position of strength – is possible. Common sense says this cycle of hostility must end. Some say the Russians won’t be reasonable. I intend to find out. If we can’t make a good deal for America, then we will quickly walk from the table.
Even more shocking was that Trump openly denounced globalism and endorsed the nation-state:
We will no longer surrender this country, or its people, to the false song of globalism.
The nation-state remains the true foundation for happiness and harmony. I am skeptical of international unions that tie us up and bring America down[.]
In the above TV report, CNN labels Trump's policy as "isolationist" - but that is a slander used by neo-con interventionists and internationalists to tar anyone who criticizes their positions.
If Trump means what he says - and he repeats himself so often it seems unlikely his supporters will allow him to forget - he will be up against very powerful political and financial interests which have controlled American policy for decades.
But it is music to the ears of Russians, who have been the primary target of the American internationalist empire and the forces promoting "global governance" over nationhood ever since the collapse of the USSR provided an opening to use American supremacy to create a new world order.
The idea that one man, even the president, could alone alter the basic tenets of American policy seems remote. But whatever the case, this promises to be the most interesting US presidential election in a very, very long time.
This post first appeared on Russia Insider
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