The only way we could lose our leadership position is if our military disappeared. Mind you, the only reason we claim to be on top is because we have the strongest military on earth which speaks for itself. It doesn't matter if we "appear weak" if we have the best military on earth to back our power and influence. Respect is lost from other nations when we intervene in issues which don't concern us for any reason other than our own personal gain.

With this logic, we must break ties with every nation who violates human rights, which some can argue INCLUDES OUR OWN NATION. We would have to cut ties with Saudi Arabia who's government commits atrocious crimes against humanity and human rights ex women's rights. The list of the US's unfavorable allies is long and bitter. Russia is not nearly the only nation who violates these human rights which we claim to uphold.

We have no right to walk into Russia and tell them how to run their government. The Russian people support their president, Putin, more than most Americans support trump. Just because our governments are different doesn't mean that one is superior to the other. What works or doesn't work for Russia is RUSSIA'S CONCERN. NOT OURS.

examples of Putin trying to de-legitimize our government are the wild and false propaganda via social medias planted by Russian bots/intelligence in order to play on our social cleavages such as race or nationality. For example Russians linked a police shooting completely unrelated to BLM and stated that BLM supported the shootings of white police officers, AND PEOPLE BELIEVED IT. They are using social media and fake news to cause unrest. If we simply leave them alone they have no reason to do this. rather if we were their allies, they would stop these cyber attacks and we could facilitate a partnership which roots for the prosperity of each others nations

just because a two nations disagree with ideas, does not mean there is detrimental effects of a partnership. a peaceful relationship as equals would facilitate an environment which ideas would be shared and tensions would not result in anti-us propaganda