
Xi and Putin's World Order
Summary
This issue of inFOCUS Quarterly examines the shifting global landscape, focusing on the growing influence of China, Russia, and Iran, and the implications for US foreign policy. It covers topics such as the Biden administration's national security strategy, the Russia-China relationship, and the potential for conflict in the Taiwan Strait. The articles also discuss the challenges and opportunities for the US in maintaining its global leadership role.
Top Questions and Answers
Q: What are the main challenges identified in the Biden administration's National Security Strategy?
A: The strategy identifies China and Russia as the most pressing challenges, but it is criticized for being vague, euphemistic, and not providing explicit guidance on confronting these challenges. It also overemphasizes alliances and partnerships while understating the importance of US military capabilities.
Q: How is China described in the Biden administration's National Security Strategy?
A: China is described as the only 'competitor' with both the intent and power to reshape the international order. However, the strategy also states that China retains common interests with the US, which is seen as a contradiction.
Q: What is the main focus of the article on Southeast Asian reactions to a Taiwan Strait crisis?
A: The article analyzes how Southeast Asian countries might react to a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait, highlighting the complex web of security agreements and the varying levels of support for Taiwan among these nations.
Q: What is the main argument regarding the Russia-China treaty?
A: The article suggests that the Russia-China partnership is strong in terms of ideological anti-Western beliefs, but China is not ready to act in a united front with Moscow to challenge the West. It also explores the possibility of China using Russia as a 'strategic depth' to counter Western influence.
Q: What is the main argument of the article on a world without Islamic Iran?
A: The article argues that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is the vehicle for the Iranian regime's expansion and terrorist activities, and that a world without the IRGC would also mean a world without the current Iranian regime.
Q: What is Elbridge Colby's vision for American strategy?
A: Colby advocates for a more focused approach on China, arguing that it is the most significant challenge to US interests. He believes the US should prioritize its resources and efforts on countering China's rise, even if it means reducing involvement in other areas like Ukraine.
Q: What is the main point of the article on America and France?
A: The article discusses the historical tensions between France and the US, and argues that France, under President Macron, is seeking to establish itself as a third force between the US and China, which is not a realistic goal.
Q: What is the main concern about the Saudi-Iran agreement?
A: The article suggests that while the Saudi-Iran agreement brokered by China has raised concerns in Washington, it does not necessarily indicate a shift in Saudi Arabia's alignment away from the US. The article also highlights the limited economic ties between Saudi Arabia and China.
Q: What is China's strategy in the Middle East according to the article?
A: China is implementing a strategy to peel the Middle East away from the United States by partnering with and gaining access to high-tech development projects in the region. It also seeks to establish a new security architecture that would benefit China's interests.
Q: What is the main argument of the article on White House sabotaging Saudi-Israeli peace?
A: The article argues that the Biden administration is prioritizing a renewed nuclear deal with Iran and Palestinian statehood over the expansion of the Abraham Accords and the normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.