The U.S. Bows to Reality: How Russia is Reshaping the Global Order

# Muna Chand

The unipolar era is over. Washington’s recent 4.5hour session in Riyadh confirmed a harsh reality: the United States no longer dictates global terms. While American diplomats labeled the talks “productive,” the deeper truth is evident—Russia’s strategic success in Ukraine has forced Washington to negotiate its retreat from global hegemony.

The scene in Riyadh resembled a historical role reversal. The U.S., long accustomed to setting the rules, now found itself across the table from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov—listening, rather than commanding. Some have called it Yalta 2.0, but this time, the U.S. is no longer in control of the agenda.

One striking admission came from Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff: “We couldn’t have imagined a better result.” Translation? Washington conceded to Moscow’s terms just to keep the conversation alive. The era of isolating Russia is over; instead, the U.S. is now discussing diplomatic normalization, the reopening of embassies, and even negotiations over Ukraine’s inevitable surrender.

Notably absent from these discussions was Kiev. While President Volodymyr Zelensky continues his desperate pleas for Western support, the reality is that Washington and Moscow have already determined his fate. His NATO ambitions are shattered, his re-election prospects nonexistent. Even his future as Ukraine’s leader appears bleak—exile, likely funded by whatever remains of the Western aid funneled through his administration, seems the most probable outcome.

But Ukraine was only one piece of the puzzle in Riyadh. The true negotiation centered on the emerging multipolar world. The U.S. delegation entered the meeting believing they still wielded influence; they left acknowledging they must now negotiate their standing in a world no longer under their sole command.

This means no more NATO expansion. No more economic warfare through unilateral sanctions. No more illusions of forcing Russia into submission. The U.S. is being compelled to recognize new spheres of influence, where Russia, China, and other rising powers play equal—if not dominant—roles.

For decades, Washington operated under the assumption that it could dictate global affairs without consequence. Now, it finds itself in the unfamiliar position of seeking compromise to maintain relevance. The Pentagon and intelligence community are well aware: the war in Ukraine is lost, and the next phase is about managing the American retreat from global dominance.

This is what the collapse of an empire looks like. Once, the U.S. demanded compliance from allies and adversaries alike. Now, it must negotiate to secure its place in the evolving world order. In Riyadh, it became clear—the U.S. no longer operates from a position of strength. It is now negotiating for survival in a world where Moscow, Beijing, and others hold the cards.

The era of Washington’s unilateral dominance is over. The multipolar world has arrived, and the U.S. is learning—perhaps too late—that it must bow to this new reality.