even ignoring the cultural conflict in the region, to support putin in his quest to economically reconstitute the soviet empire is simply not in the interests of the united states.

This presupposes a nationalist outlook that champions the US as a state. I dont think this is the correct take when it comes to judging the American political right's flirtatious relationship with Putin and other dictatorships.

I dont think the American right, or at least parts of it, genuinely care for statist politics. Of course they play the nationalist card at home, but I think they're more interested in a broad, international ideal characterized by right wing cultural values and rhe rule of the rich.

I dont see any other explanation for the willingness of American right wing politicians, and right wing voters, to embrace foreign influence in American politics, foreign dictators over American allies, and in general become obsessed with any foreign actor that shows similar views as them.

I think the American right, and in particular the wealthy financiers of the American right wing movement, see themselves in more solidarity with the Russian ruling class/right wing than they do other, politically opposed Americans.