"The United States has always blamed Russia and Ashton Carter has played a key role in this process. But there is nothing personal about it," he told Radio Sputnik. "The main goal for the US foreign policy establishment is to ensure America's key role in the world, something Washington has been used to since the 1980s-1990s. They are trying to keep Pax Americana."
This US-dominated world order, in Olevich's mind, is eroding.
Americans "see that Russia, China and other states are rising, that Russia's international clout is growing and that the US is no longer capable of controlling global processes like before. They are reacting. This reaction is often sharp, strong and unsound. This is why Carter's comments are not surprising" he explained, referring to a speech the US defense chief gave at the Reagan National Defense Forum on December 3.
Olevich further warned that Russia should not hope that the rhetoric emanating from Washington will change for the better once the Trump administration takes office.
However, Olevich noted that US president-elect Donald Trump will be the one to set the tone in foreign policy. The first months of his presidency will show whether he is able to "control" US defense officials and military commanders.
