Russia + US = MAD. Then China is new seat of governance and economy for the World, probably through assistance with peace deals after nukes have flown. Set as the Savior - Think US after WW1 & WW2
It allows their silence to be guaranteed after they are finished with their post. It allows them to continually grow wealth after leaving office, and the government can use it as leverage in form of possible prosecutions (insider trading, leaking classified information, ect) or simply by revoking their clearance so they can no longer make their money.
At least that's how I see it.