alliance

Mr Duterte expected that his alliance would protect him from any blowback over his controversial presidency once he was out of power.

It wrote in its annual report that while Sweden joining the Nato military alliance had strengthened its security, it had also led to increased Russian intelligence activity.

The deal could also de-escalate the SDF's conflict with neighbouring Turkey and Turkish-backed Syrian former rebel factions allied to the government, which are trying to push the alliance out of areas near the border.

Smaller rivals could also gain ground and potentially shake up alliances.

He says Canada can "stand on its own feet" but sees merit in creating a more coherent international alliance to focus the minds of Congress and tariff-sceptics in the Trump administration.