China, Russia, and their autocratic friends are leading another epic clash over the world’s largest landmass.

Reported by Hal Brands, a professor of global affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Summary of original report featured below

The war in Ukraine has led to the rise of a coalition of Eurasian autocracies, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which are forming strategic partnerships and fostering trade networks outside the influence of the United States. This coalition poses a cohesive and dangerous challenge to the democratic world. Sanctions have been imposed against Russia due to its aggression in Ukraine, and the advanced democracies have rallied in support of Ukraine, strengthening their defenses and rethinking economic ties with Russia and China. The autocratic bloc seeks to overturn the balance of power and views the United States as the main obstacle. They are drawing together for self-protection and strategic profit.

The Eurasian bloc is not limited to military cooperation; it also involves restructuring international trade to make it less vulnerable to sanctions. China has invested in overland pipelines and railroads to ensure access to crucial resources, while Russia and Iran are developing trade corridors to evade sanctions. The integration of Eurasia will make the antagonists less vulnerable to sanctions and strengthen them militarily. The bloc is also cohering intellectually and ideologically, with the autocratic countries defending their political systems and resisting the United States’ influence.

The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of strategically located swing states such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India. These states seek advantages from both Fortress Eurasia and the free world and affect the balance between the two. They are shifting their alignments and playing a double game to maximize their benefits. The competition for these swing states is significant, as they hold strategic positions and have the potential to influence global affairs.

In summary, the war in Ukraine has accelerated the formation of a coalition of Eurasian autocracies, including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Sanctions have been imposed against Russia, and the advanced democracies have rallied in support of Ukraine. The autocratic bloc seeks to overturn the balance of power and views the United States as the main obstacle. They are strengthening their military cooperation, restructuring international trade to bypass sanctions, and cohering intellectually and ideologically. The strategically located swing states play a crucial role in this struggle and seek advantages from both sides.

Read full report: https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/04/russia-china-us-geopolitics-eurasia-strategy/