Moscow has increased its influence in many countries, including those that are of great importance to Washington.

Western leaders have started to recognize Russia’s advantage in this war of rhetoric. At a conference in February, French President Emmanuel Macron said he has been “shocked by how much credibility we are losing,” referring to the West’s diminished status in the eyes of the rest of the world. At the same event, Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, acknowledged “how powerful the Russian narrative is.”

Foreign Affairs believes that the West is unlikely to be able to change the positions of Russia’s allies. Therefore, the magazine suggests striving for “modest gains.” “Washington and its allies should adjust their rhetoric and avoid actions that raise accusations of hypocrisy,” the material says.