How is the confrontation between autocracies and liberal democracies different now from the Cold War times? (approx. 150 words)
How has the autocratic world changed since the 1990s? (approx. 150 words)
What factors explain the waning appetite for globalisation? (approx. 150 words)
Do you agree with the authors conclusion: The risk, though, is that countries draw the opposite lesson from Russia: that less integration, rather than more, is the best way to protect themselves from economic pain. The world would become more fractured and mutually suspiciousnot to mention poorer than it could have been. (approx. 150 words)
Question 2: Read “How China, Russia and Iran are forging closer ties: Assessing the economic threat posed by the anti-Western axis” (March 18, 2024) The Economist.
Answer these questions:
List at three factors on which China-Russia-Iran alliance is formed. (approx. 150 words)
List at least five changes in China, Russia and Iran’s cooperation since 2022. (approx. 150 words)
Do you think Americas leverage to prevent a closer alliance among its main opponents is still strong? Why or why not? (approx. 150 words)
What are some of the limitations in Iran-Russia closer cooperation? (approx. 150 words)
Do you agree with the authors assessment that At this stage, then, the anti-Western entente is worrying but not truly scary. Why or why not? (approx. 150 words)
How has the autocratic world changed since the 1990s?
The autocratic world has undergone significant changes:
-
Rise of new actors: China, Russia, and other authoritarian regimes have become more powerful and assertive on the global stage.
-
Technological advancements: Authoritarian states are using technology, including surveillance and propaganda, to consolidate their control.
-
Greater cooperation: There is growing cooperation between autocratic regimes, sharing tactics and resources to challenge the liberal world order.
-
Shifting focus: The focus of autocracies has shifted from primarily ideological opposition to the West to promoting their own economic and geopolitical interests.
What factors explain the waning appetite for globalization?
Several factors contribute to the waning appetite for globalization:
-
Economic inequality: Globalization has exacerbated income inequality within and between countries, leading to resentment towards the system.
-
Nationalism and protectionism: The rise of nationalism and protectionist policies has fueled a backlash against free trade and open borders.
-
Geopolitical tensions: Competition between major powers, particularly between the US and China, has created uncertainty and mistrust, leading to the fragmentation of global markets.
-
COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and triggered a wave of protectionism.
Do you agree with the authors conclusion?
The author’s conclusion that less integration could lead to a more fractured and poorer world is plausible. While some countries might initially feel safer and more secure with reduced integration, long-term consequences could be negative.
-
Economic stagnation: Limited trade and cooperation can hinder economic growth and development.
-
Lack of innovation: Isolation can stifle innovation and technology transfer.
-
Political instability: A more fragmented world could lead to increased conflict and instability.
Question 2:
List at three factors on which China-Russia-Iran alliance is formed.
-
Shared opposition to the West: The three countries share a common view of the West as a threat to their interests and sovereignty.
-
Strategic convergence: They are seeking to counter Western dominance and create a multipolar world order.
-
Economic and military cooperation: They are seeking to enhance their economic and military ties to reduce dependence on the West.
List at least five changes in China, Russia and Iran’s cooperation since 2022.
-
Increased military cooperation: China and Russia conducted joint military exercises, while Iran has provided military support to Russia in the Ukraine war.
-
Deepening economic ties: The three countries are seeking to develop alternative financial systems and trade routes to reduce their dependence on the West.
-
Energy partnerships: China is increasing its reliance on Russian energy, while Iran is seeking to expand its energy exports to China and Russia.
-
Technological cooperation: The three countries are collaborating in areas like nuclear technology, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
-
Shared political platform: China, Russia, and Iran are coordinating their positions on international issues at the UN and other multilateral organizations.
Do you think Americas leverage to prevent a closer alliance among its main opponents is still strong? Why or why not?
America’s leverage is diminishing due to several factors:
-
Declining global influence: The US’s global influence has waned due to its involvement in costly wars and its economic woes.
-
Shifting power dynamics: China’s economic and military rise has challenged the US’s dominance in the global order.
-
Divisions within the West: There are growing divisions within the West, particularly regarding China, which limits America’s ability to build a united front against its adversaries.
What are some of the limitations in Iran-Russia closer cooperation?
-
Mutual suspicion: Despite shared goals, Iran and Russia have a history of mistrust and rivalry.
-
Ideological differences: There are ideological differences between the two countries, particularly regarding the role of religion in society.
-
Economic disparity: Iran’s economy is much weaker than Russia’s, making it difficult to create a truly equal partnership.
-
Sanctions: Iran is facing severe economic sanctions from the West, which limit its ability to cooperate fully with Russia.
Do you agree with the authors assessment that the anti-Western entente is worrying but not truly scary? Why or why not?
The assessment that the alliance is worrying but not truly scary is debatable.
Worrisome:
-
Potential for conflict: The alliance could escalate tensions and increase the risk of conflict in regions like the Middle East or Eastern Europe.
-
Challenge to global order: The alliance could undermine the existing international order based on rules and cooperation.
-
Economic disruption: The alliance could disrupt global trade and financial markets.
Not truly scary:
-
Internal divisions: The alliance is based on shared interests but has internal divisions that could hinder its effectiveness.
-
Economic limitations: The alliance faces economic constraints and lack of technological innovation.
-
Western resilience: The West remains a significant force in the world, capable of countering the alliance’s influence.
Conclusion: The alliance is a significant development that requires careful attention, but it is not yet clear if it poses a truly existential threat to the liberal world order. The future of the alliance and its impact on the global landscape remains uncertain.
How has the autocratic world changed since the 1990s?
The autocratic world has undergone significant changes:
-
Rise of new actors: China, Russia, and other authoritarian regimes have become more powerful and assertive on the global stage.
-
Technological advancements: Authoritarian states are using technology, including surveillance and propaganda, to consolidate their control.
-
Greater cooperation: There is growing cooperation between autocratic regimes, sharing tactics and resources to challenge the liberal world order.
-
Shifting focus: The focus of autocracies has shifted from primarily ideological opposition to the West to promoting their own economic and geopolitical interests.
What factors explain the waning appetite for globalization?
Several factors contribute to the waning appetite for globalization:
-
Economic inequality: Globalization has exacerbated income inequality within and between countries, leading to resentment towards the system.
-
Nationalism and protectionism: The rise of nationalism and protectionist policies has fueled a backlash against free trade and open borders.
-
Geopolitical tensions: Competition between major powers, particularly between the US and China, has created uncertainty and mistrust, leading to the fragmentation of global markets.
-
COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and triggered a wave of protectionism.
Do you agree with the authors conclusion?
The author’s conclusion that less integration could lead to a more fractured and poorer world is plausible. While some countries might initially feel safer and more secure with reduced integration, long-term consequences could be negative.
-
Economic stagnation: Limited trade and cooperation can hinder economic growth and development.
-
Lack of innovation: Isolation can stifle innovation and technology transfer.
-
Political instability: A more fragmented world could lead to increased conflict and instability.
Question 2:
List at three factors on which China-Russia-Iran alliance is formed.
-
Shared opposition to the West: The three countries share a common view of the West as a threat to their interests and sovereignty.
-
Strategic convergence: They are seeking to counter Western dominance and create a multipolar world order.
-
Economic and military cooperation: They are seeking to enhance their economic and military ties to reduce dependence on the West.
List at least five changes in China, Russia and Iran’s cooperation since 2022.
-
Increased military cooperation: China and Russia conducted joint military exercises, while Iran has provided military support to Russia in the Ukraine war.
-
Deepening economic ties: The three countries are seeking to develop alternative financial systems and trade routes to reduce their dependence on the West.
-
Energy partnerships: China is increasing its reliance on Russian energy, while Iran is seeking to expand its energy exports to China and Russia.
-
Technological cooperation: The three countries are collaborating in areas like nuclear technology, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
-
Shared political platform: China, Russia, and Iran are coordinating their positions on international issues at the UN and other multilateral organizations.
Do you think Americas leverage to prevent a closer alliance among its main opponents is still strong? Why or why not?
America’s leverage is diminishing due to several factors:
-
Declining global influence: The US’s global influence has waned due to its involvement in costly wars and its economic woes.
-
Shifting power dynamics: China’s economic and military rise has challenged the US’s dominance in the global order.
-
Divisions within the West: There are growing divisions within the West, particularly regarding China, which limits America’s ability to build a united front against its adversaries.
What are some of the limitations in Iran-Russia closer cooperation?
-
Mutual suspicion: Despite shared goals, Iran and Russia have a history of mistrust and rivalry.
-
Ideological differences: There are ideological differences between the two countries, particularly regarding the role of religion in society.
-
Economic disparity: Iran’s economy is much weaker than Russia’s, making it difficult to create a truly equal partnership.
-
Sanctions: Iran is facing severe economic sanctions from the West, which limit its ability to cooperate fully with Russia.
Do you agree with the authors assessment that the anti-Western entente is worrying but not truly scary? Why or why not?
The assessment that the alliance is worrying but not truly scary is debatable.
Worrisome:
-
Potential for conflict: The alliance could escalate tensions and increase the risk of conflict in regions like the Middle East or Eastern Europe.
-
Challenge to global order: The alliance could undermine the existing international order based on rules and cooperation.
-
Economic disruption: The alliance could disrupt global trade and financial markets.
Not truly scary:
-
Internal divisions: The alliance is based on shared interests but has internal divisions that could hinder its effectiveness.
-
Economic limitations: The alliance faces economic constraints and lack of technological innovation.
-
Western resilience: The West remains a significant force in the world, capable of countering the alliance’s influence.
Conclusion: The alliance is a significant development that requires careful attention, but it is not yet clear if it poses a truly existential threat to the liberal world order. The future of the alliance and its impact on the global landscape remains uncertain.
