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New ‘Axis of Autocracies‘ Emerges: Echoes of History and Global Power Shifts
Table of Contents
- 1. New ‘Axis of Autocracies’ Emerges: Echoes of History and Global Power Shifts
- 2. The Weight of History: Churchill’s Warning
- 3. A New Alliance Takes Shape
- 4. China’s Assertive Actions and Disregard for Norms
- 5. Russia’s Role and Strategic Dependence
- 6. Ukraine as a Distraction for taiwan?
- 7. Historical Parallels: the Axis Powers
- 8. How does the Putin-Xi partnership specifically challenge the “balance of power” that Churchill deemed essential for global stability?
- 9. Xi and Putin’s Axis of Autocracies: A New Threat to Democracy as Predicted by Churchill in The Cipher Brief
- 10. The Resurgence of Great Power Competition & Authoritarian Alignment
- 11. Churchill’s Foresight & The Cipher Brief
- 12. BRICS Expansion & The Shifting Global Order
- 13. Analyzing the BRICS Expansion: A Geopolitical Outlook
- 14. The Putin-Xi Partnership: A Deep dive
- 15. Key Aspects of the putin-xi Relationship:
- 16. The Threat to democracy: Erosion of Norms & Values
- 17. Mechanisms of Democratic Erosion:
Beijing – A concerning alignment between China and Russia, coupled with the inclusion of North Korea and Iran in recent strategic exercises, is drawing stark parallels to the pre-World War II era and raising alarms about a potential reshaping of the global geopolitical landscape.
The Weight of History: Churchill’s Warning
Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously observed that Dictators “ride to and fro on tigers from which they dare not dismount,” adding ominously that “the tigers are getting hungry.” This analogy resonates today as leaders in Beijing and Moscow consolidate power and pursue increasingly assertive foreign policies. The current situation mirrors the conditions that enabled the rise of aggressive regimes in the 1930s – economic pressures, nationalist fervor, and the dismantling of democratic restraints.
A New Alliance Takes Shape
Chinese President Xi Jinping has actively fostered closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighted by recent high-profile meetings and joint military exercises. The invitation extended to Kim Jong Un of North Korea and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the Shanghai Cooperation Institution summit and subsequent military parade underscored a deliberate signal of unity against what is perceived as a U.S.-dominated “rules-based” international order.This alliance isn’t merely reactive; it represents a proactive effort to establish a new world order with China at its center.
China’s Assertive Actions and Disregard for Norms
China’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for established international norms. Aggressive policies toward neighbors, treaty violations regarding Hong Kong, influence operations aimed at foreign governments, exploitative economic practices through the Belt and Road Initiative, intellectual property theft, and the repression of political dissent paint a picture of a nation unwilling to adhere to conventional international conduct. According to a recent report by the Council on Foreign Relations, Chinese espionage activity has increased by 60% in the last five years.
Russia’s Role and Strategic Dependence
While North Korea and Iran play supporting roles, the relationship between Russia and China is central to this emerging dynamic. Russia, increasingly isolated due to the war in Ukraine, finds itself strategically dependent on china. Putin openly acknowledges a “dear friend” relationship with Xi, citing historical support.Though, Russia likely views this reliance as temporary, born out of necessity related to the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine as a Distraction for taiwan?
A crucial aspect of this alignment is the potential for the Ukraine war to serve as a distraction, diverting Western attention and resources away from the Taiwan Strait. Beijing may calculate that a prolonged conflict in Ukraine will diminish the U.S. and its allies’ capacity to respond effectively to any action taken against Taiwan. This calculation is particularly relevant as China approaches its self-imposed deadline of 2027 to achieve military readiness for potential action against the island.
Historical Parallels: the Axis Powers
The relationship between Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan offers a historical lens through which to view the current dynamic between Russia and China. Like the Axis powers, the connection is rooted in a shared desire to dismantle the existing world order. While their alliance was marked by strategic interdependence rather than full cooperation – lacking a formal mutual defense pact – agreements like the 1936 Anti-Comintern Pact and the 1940 Tripartite Pact laid the groundwork for coordinated actions. A recent report from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace indicates a similar lack of full military integration between China and Russia.