The recent US-led peace negotiations in Riyadh and Jeddah – where separate talks were held with Russia and Ukraine – highlight America’s evolving diplomatic strategies.

These moves have significant implications for global politics, particularly for regional organisations like the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Saudi Arabia, despite being an aspiring BRICS+ member, is being strategically positioned by the US as a crucial player in international diplomacy.

This helps the US counter BRICS+ and the growing trend of de-dollarisation.

By involving Saudi Arabia in high-profile negotiations, Trump ensures the Kingdom remains aligned with Washington’s interests, preserving the dominance of the US dollar in oil trade.

Whether by design or default, Trump has successfully kept Saudi Arabia within America’s strategic orbit.

More broadly, the US is demonstrating its ability to remain the preeminent force in global diplomacy.

By orchestrating these peace talks, Washington sends a strong message to China and Russia: the US still dictates the terms of international engagement.

On February 18, 2025, high-level delegations from the US and Russia convened at Diriyah Palace in Riyadh for the most extensive diplomatic meeting since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, engaged with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yury Ushakov.

The choice of Riyadh as the venue underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing importance as a diplomatic hub.

Ukraine was initially excluded from these talks, sparking concerns from Kyiv and the EU. However, Trump managed to bring Ukraine back to the negotiating table for separate discussions in Jeddah, despite previously chastising Kyiv for not ending the war sooner.

Ukraine’s decision to participate is not entirely voluntary. Trump has suspended military and intelligence support to Ukraine, initiated direct negotiations with Russia, and ruled out NATO membership for Kyiv.

These shifts mark a significant departure from previous US policies and suggest a more Russia-friendly approach.

Saudi Arabia is being strategically positioned by the US as a crucial player in international diplomacy.

Following the Riyadh summit, US officials met Ukrainian representatives in Jeddah to assess Ukraine’s stance on possible peace terms.

President Zelenskyy, despite recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, has reaffirmed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the US, hoping to secure American backing in peace talks.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of these events enhances its global influence.

Traditionally, the Kingdom has balanced ties with both the West and Russia, supporting key UN resolutions on Ukraine while maintaining economic cooperation with Moscow through OPEC+.

By serving as a neutral ground for US-led diplomacy, Saudi Arabia has increased its geopolitical leverage.

The EU now faces a difficult reality: its role in resolving the Ukraine crisis is being diminished.

European leaders, led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, had attempted to craft a unified peace plan, seeking US security guarantees for Kyiv. However, Trump’s strategy suggests he is uninterested in cooperating with traditional allies like London, Paris, and Berlin.

By negotiating directly with Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, Trump is bypassing the EU entirely. This signals a shift away from multilateral diplomacy toward a more unilateral, deal-driven approach.

The EU’s efforts may ultimately be too little, too late.

For ASEAN, these developments offer a critical lesson in strategic adaptability. The US’s choice of Saudi Arabia as a diplomatic venue reflects its ability to shape global events on its own terms.

ASEAN must recognise that Trump does not see China – or any other major power – as an indispensable player in global diplomacy. This aligns with Samuel Huntington’s theory of a “uni-multipolar” world, where the US remains the dominant power while allowing other states limited influence.

Trump’s approach to Ukraine, where he set deadlines, issued threats, and cut off military aid, contrasts sharply with ASEAN’s consensus-based decision-making.

If ASEAN hopes to maintain its relevance, it must prepare for a more aggressive and transactional US foreign policy under Trump.

The Riyadh and Jeddah negotiations showcase America’s ability to dictate the global diplomatic agenda.

Trump’s strategy – leveraging Saudi Arabia to maintain US primacy, sidelining the EU, and excluding China – reinforces Washington’s position as the ultimate power broker.

For ASEAN, the key takeaway is clear: Trump’s America will act in its own interests without hesitation. If ASEAN wants to enhance its role in global peace-making, it must understand and adapt to this new geopolitical reality.

(Prof Dr Phar Kim Beng is Expert Committee Member of the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies, CROSS, and Professor of ASEAN Studies at ISTAC-IIUM.)