Trump, Putin, and Jinping Are Losing Their Ability to Influence International Affairs, According to The Washington Post

U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping remain among the world’s most influential political figures; however, the concentration of power does not guarantee them the ability to fully control international processes. 

According to the publication’s assessment, the decisions of these three leaders are increasingly meeting with resistance from other countries, and the consequences of certain moves differ from what was expected in Washington, Moscow, and Beijing. 

At the same time, the question of each leader’s future succession remains unresolved.

The Washington Post cites Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine as one example of the limitations facing major powers. The Kremlin had expected to achieve its goals quickly, but the fighting has been ongoing for several years now.

The publication cites another example: a war between the U.S. and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, following a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran. According to The Washington Post, Trump also overestimated the ability to achieve his goals quickly. Reuters notes that as of September, the conflict has been ongoing for seven months.

Xi Jinping avoids such large-scale military risks but faces domestic challenges. In particular, China is continuing a large-scale campaign against high-ranking military officials. Reuters reported that in late August 2026, two high-ranking generals—Zhang Yuxia and Liu Zhenli—were removed from China’s Central Military Commission. After that, only two active members remained in the body, including Xi Jinping.

The Washington Post also notes that threats and political pressure from major powers may, on the contrary, spur resistance from weaker countries.

The article mentions Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, which, according to the publication, contributed to greater European unity. At the same time, China has been unable to persuade Japan and the Philippines to abandon their hardline positions in disputes with Beijing.

Separately, the publication highlights the impact of inexpensive drone technology, which is shifting the balance of power in modern conflicts and enabling smaller states to counter much more powerful military arsenals.

The Washington Post identifies the lack of a clear and understandable succession system as another challenge for Trump, Putin, and Xi.

In Russia, according to the publication, there is no single political figure who is perceived as Putin’s undisputed successor. At the same time, The Washington Post noted separately that the system of power created by Putin does not allow for an easy identification of the future head of state.

Xi Jinping, the WP writes, opposes a return to the model of collective leadership, while Trump’s political movement remains largely tied directly to his persona.

Against this backdrop, the role of so-called middle powers, which seek to pursue a more independent foreign policy, is becoming increasingly prominent.

The Washington Post cites Canada, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, as one such example. Canada has recently been strengthening its cooperation with Europe in the areas of defense, critical minerals, energy, artificial intelligence, and digital trade amid tensions with the United States.

The Washington Post reports on this.

As a reminder, Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the U.S. on September 23–25 at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump. This was announced by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gao Jiaqun.

During his upcoming meeting in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to call on the U.S. to halt the sale and supply of weapons to Taiwan.