Russia’s Growing Global Influence

Russia continues to make strategic moves in the global chess game. Capitalizing on the weakened foreign policy of the United States, Russia continues to seize opportunities to exercise its power and influence across the globe. “More than two decades after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, Moscow is once again seeking to play a major role in the country by boosting military and economic cooperation with Kabul” (Deutsche Welle, March 2, 2016). Russia has also been a key player in brokering the shaky ceasefire in Syria with “Russian airpower” tipping “the scales decisively in favor of the Damascus regime” and Russia (Newsweek, February 12, 2016). Russia’s confidence and moves against the West have caused the U.S. to pressure “Denmark and several other European nations to increase defense spending… Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and the UK have apparently taken heed of Washington’s message and have announced increased defense budgets for the coming years… and Norway is also considering ramping up its military spending” (Sputnik News, February 29, 2016).

Russia’s resurgence fits Bible prophecies about a coming Eastern superpower that will “trouble” a European “king of the North” that will lead to a global war (Daniel 11:40-44). This Eastern superpower will boast a huge army and will take part in killing “a third of mankind” (Revelation 9:13-18). Russia could play a leading role in this future Eastern superpower. To learn more about Russia’s future, read our commentary, “The Bear’s Growl.”