The Distancing Game
Frightened by the icy wind blowing from the United States that spread over the entire (financial) world in January, everyone suddenly began to talk about 'decoupling.' That is, Europe ought to distance itself (or, in another variant, has already distanced itself) from the United States and a 'new wall' should be built to replace the aging-or, as others say, doomed-Transatlantic bridge. As for Asia… Asia, with India and China 'ascendant,' should absolutely break off its economic interdependence with the United States as soon as possible, «distancing» itself and charting its own path.» But how long will this trend continue, and how rapidly might it take root, asks Security Index Editor-in-Chief Vladimir Orlov.