The Age of Imperialism Reborn: How Trump, Xi, and Putin Shape a New World Order

In 2025, the world finds itself at a critical juncture, with the global balance of power increasingly influenced by the actions of three prominent leaders: Donald Trump of the United States, Xi Jinping of China, and Vladimir Putin of Russia. These individuals, hailing from nations with vastly different political ideologies and systems, appear to share a common—and troubling—imperialist vision. Andreas Kluth, in his compelling analysis, “Trump Is Like Putin and Xi: An Imperialist,” examines this shared ambition and its potential to destabilize the global order. It is a warning that demands attention as the stakes for peace and stability rise higher than ever.

The dynamics shaping current geopolitics are unlike those seen during the Cold War. Back then, the competing ideologies of capitalism in the United States and Marxist-Leninism in the Soviet Union formed the backbone of global tensions. Despite the peril, this ideological struggle paradoxically established a kind of balance, preventing outright conflict and culminating in a peaceful resolution. Today, however, the stage is not set by ideological divides but by the pursuit of personal power and dominance—a shift that threatens to undo decades of relative stability.

Kluth draws unsettling parallels between the three leaders’ approaches to governance and their broader ambitions. Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power in China is a prominent example of this new imperialism. His agenda focuses on restoring China’s historic preeminence through regional dominance, aggressive international maneuvering, and a relentless obsession with Taiwan. Xi’s rhetoric and actions surrounding Taiwan portray a leader less interested in coexistence and more intent on empire-building. This aggressive stance echoes President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has unapologetically pursued his own territorial ambitions.

Putin’s expansionist policies have openly challenged Western assumptions about post-Cold War peace. His invasion of Ukraine and interference in the affairs of former Soviet states signal a clear desire to reconstruct aspects of the Soviet Union’s past influence. In drawing upon historic patterns of empire-building, Putin has shattered the long-held belief that Europe had moved beyond such aggression. His leadership style is forceful, his ambitions imperial, and his disregard for international norms palpable.

Disturbingly, this imperialist trend is not confined to Xi and Putin. Kluth argues that Donald Trump, with his return to power in the United States, exhibits similar inclinations. While his leadership does not align with traditional authoritarianism, Trump’s “America First” doctrine, rejection of multilateralism, and focus on personal power reflect an alarming departure from America’s historical leadership role as a defender of democracy. By prioritizing insular dominance over global cooperation, Trump adopts a mode of leadership that, Kluth suggests, echoes the imperial outlook of his counterparts in Moscow and Beijing.

This alignment of imperial ambitions among the world’s most powerful leaders poses serious risks for global peace. Unlike the Cold War era, where the ideological standoff acted as a strategic constraint, today’s power competition lacks such systemic checks and balances. Xi’s ambitions in the Pacific, Putin’s aggression in Eastern Europe, and Trump’s retreat from multilateralism collectively create fertile ground for prolonged instability or direct conflict. Kluth warns that these shared visions of empire-building may lead to dangerous brinkmanship in regions like the South China Sea or Ukraine, if not elsewhere.

The implications of this imperialist resurgence extend far beyond national borders. In an interconnected world, the decisions of these three leaders have the potential to reshape the global landscape in ways that could reverberate for decades. Kluth calls for a sober acknowledgment of these shifts and the dangers they represent. As nations teeter on the edge of heightened conflict, the question emerges: will diplomacy and accountability prevail, or will unchecked power drive us into a more volatile era?

For now, the world remains in an uneasy state of anticipation. Trump, Xi, and Putin command towering influence in global politics, but the consequences of their actions are far from contained. Whether their pursuit of power leads to dramatic conflict or a renewed push for balance will define not only this moment but the future of the 21st century. One thing is clear: the age of imperialism, far from being a relic of history, is alive and thriving in our time.