NATO, the United States' group of military vassals, was on the brink of falling apart until Putin made it relevant by invading Ukraine. Now Sweden and Finland have joined, NATO defense spending is skyrocketing, and the US position as the dominant force within the Alliance is stronger than ever.
And it's not just a European thing. In the Caucasus and Central Asia, Russia's aggression and weakness have broken off numerous ex-Soviet states from Russia's orbit, and the US is well positioned to fill the vacuum. Moreover, the combination of Russia's aggression and the incredible effectiveness of US military assistance has made many of China's neighbors turn to us for protection against potential threats.
Russia's weakness has left China feeling exposed and isolated in the global sphere, which again favors the US.
Russia is now part of history's saddest coalition of the willing with North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, Nicaragua and sometimes Belarus (depending on the time of day). Kinda pathetic! But more importantly US political, economic and military dominance in Europe and Asia is stronger than it has been in decades.
So yeah, the real danger is that Putin dies and is replaced by someone less ham-handed who is able to pick apart America's network of alliances, pick off Germany from NATO and significantly expand Russia's reach and influence. I hope Putin lives a good long life.
Thank you for the well written and thoughtful response. Regarding China/Russia relations, I can see some that possibility, I also can see some of this position posted below. China will never align with the USA, they’re our ultimate opposition. I only say “our” because I’m a US citizen who loves what this nation was. However, I believe Russia’s war in Ukraine will not end without expansion to having many nations engaged on each side and ultimately a determination of who rules the whole world in an amoral new world order, be it the amoral corporate/government fascists on our side or the anti-Americans on their side, as I feel this is the start of WWIII and there will be wars on several fronts at the same time. I think this is the battle for world domination and Ukraine is just playing their part as designed. Hopefully I am wrong:
Anyhow, here is another perspective:
Best and Bosom Friends: Why China-Russia Ties Will Deepen after Russia’s War on Ukraine
CSIS Briefs
June 22, 2022