In an exclusive interview with Bharat News, John Bolton, former US National Security Advisor and former US Ambassador to the UN, shared his candid and unfiltered insights on the shifting geopolitical landscape, US strategies, and their global impact. In a discussion led by Hriday Raval, Bolton offered his expertise on critical issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the tensions between Israel and Iran, US-China relations, and how these developments could shape the future of global power dynamics.
The conversation kicked off with Hriday Raval diving into the most pressing issue of the moment— the escalating conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Bolton provided a stark assessment, highlighting the emerging “China-Russia axis” as the most significant global development today. He emphasized that the relationship between Moscow and Beijing, though still evolving, is growing stronger and poses a threat to global stability. Bolton explained, “The particular threat posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is that it signals a broader ambition by Vladimir Putin to recreate the Russian Empire.”
Bolton warned that the world’s response to these aggressions, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, will set a precedent for other powers like China. He pointed to Iran’s “ring of fire” strategy against Israel, fueled by support from both Russia and China. According to Bolton, this cooperation among nations hostile to US interests is deeply concerning and signals a shift in global alliances.
The Iran Nuclear Deal: A Flawed Strategy?
The Iran Nuclear Deal: A Flawed Strategy?
Hriday Raval then shifted the conversation to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the Biden administration’s efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal. Bolton, a long-time critic of the 2015 nuclear agreement, did not hold back in his assessment. “There has never been any evidence that Iran has made a strategic decision to give up the pursuit of nuclear weapons,” he said. Bolton argued that the current administration’s approach is flawed, and the Gulf Arab states understand that Iran, not Israel, poses the greatest threat to regional stability.
Bolton went further, criticizing the Biden administration for allowing strategic waterways like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to be closed by Houthi rebels, which has had a significant impact on global trade and American national security interests.
The Russia-Ukraine War: Could the US Have Done More?
The Russia-Ukraine War: Could the US Have Done More?
When asked about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Bolton expressed disappointment in the US government’s handling of the conflict, particularly in its failure to deter Russia early on. “Had we shown we were prepared for stronger measures before the second invasion, deterrence might have worked,” Bolton stated. He criticized the Biden administration for focusing more on preventing a Ukrainian defeat than ensuring a Ukrainian victory. Bolton also pointed out that NATO’s response, while substantial, lacked strategic coherence, leading to a “gridlock” in the military conflict and widespread destruction in Ukraine.
PM Modi as a Negotiator: A Rising Diplomatic Force
Hriday Raval steered the conversation toward India’s evolving diplomatic role, especially in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global engagements. Bolton was quick to praise Modi’s leadership and growing presence on the world stage as a key negotiator. “Modi has effectively positioned India as a diplomatic force, maintaining strong ties with multiple global powers while advancing India’s national interests,” Bolton noted. He pointed to Modi’s ability to balance relationships with countries like the US and Russia, which often find themselves at odds, as a critical strength.
According to Bolton, Modi’s approach signals a new era of Indian diplomacy, where the country’s independent and pragmatic stance is making it a central player in international negotiations.
The Future of NATO: Strengthened or Weakened?
The Future of NATO: Strengthened or Weakened?
Hriday Raval further probed Bolton on the future of NATO, especially in light of the strain caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. Bolton acknowledged that NATO has been strengthened by the inclusion of Finland and Sweden, but he expressed concern over the potential impact of a second Donald Trump presidency on the alliance. “Trump has repeatedly threatened to get out of NATO. I’m very afraid he would do it,” Bolton said, warning that such a move would be catastrophic for US national security and could lead to the dissolution of NATO.
Can India Trust America?
One of the most pressing concerns for Indian policymakers is whether the US can be relied upon as a long-term partner, given its history of inconsistent foreign policies. Bolton candidly acknowledged this concern, stating, “India is right to question the consistency of America’s approach. While US-India relations have strengthened considerably, shifting political dynamics in Washington mean that India has to be prepared for fluctuations.” He noted that India’s strategy of maintaining multiple alliances, rather than relying solely on the US, is prudent. Bolton suggested that while current relations with the US are strong, India should always have a contingency plan, especially with the unpredictability of future US administrations.
The 2024 US Presidential Elections: No Good Options?
The conversation also turned to the upcoming US elections, where Bolton provided a grim outlook on the candidates. “I don’t think either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris are fit to be president,” he said bluntly. Bolton criticized Trump for his erratic and transactional leadership style and expressed concern about Harris’ lack of national security experience. He predicted that the next four years would be difficult for the US, with weak leadership at the helm.
Reforming the UN: An Impossible Task?
Having served as US Ambassador to the UN, Bolton has long been critical of the organization, and his views haven’t softened. He argued that while some UN agencies perform valuable work, the political decision-making bodies like the Security Council and General Assembly are fundamentally broken. He cited Russia and China’s ability to veto any meaningful resolution on conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war or the Israel-Iran tensions as key reasons why the UN is ineffective in addressing major geopolitical issues.
The China Threat: A New Cold War?
The China Threat: A New Cold War?
Bolton also weighed in on China’s growing assertiveness, especially in the South China Sea, its ties with both Israel and Iran, and its support for Russia. He expressed deep concern about China’s rapid nuclear weapons buildup, predicting that within five to 10 years, China could reach nuclear parity with the US and Russia. This would create a “tripolar nuclear world,” fundamentally altering the dynamics of nuclear deterrence that have governed global security since the Cold War.
Bolton emphasized the importance of US alliances in countering China’s aspirations for global hegemony. He praised initiatives like the Quad (Japan, India, Australia, and the US) and AUKUS(Australia, the UK, and the US), but cautioned that these alliances would need to grow stronger to effectively counter China’s ambitions.
India’s Role in Global Politics
India’s Role in Global Politics
Finally, Hriday Raval steered the conversation toward India’s role in the evolving global landscape.
Bolton acknowledged India’s growing importance as a regional power, especially in countering
China’s influence. He highlighted India’s participation in the Quad as a positive step but stressed
that India will need to further align its strategic interests with those of the US and its allies to
effectively counter the China-Russia axis.
In conclusion, the exclusive interview with John Bolton on Bharat News provided a deep dive into
the complexities of global politics and US foreign policy. Bolton’s insights underscored the
challenges facing the US and its allies, including India, as they navigate a world where old alliances
are shifting, and new threats are emerging. His candid critique of current US leadership and his
predictions for the future serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and citizens alike.
As Hriday Raval aptly summarized, “The world is at a crossroads, and how we respond to these
challenges will shape the future of global power for years to come.”