The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen has disrupted the global economy by targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, yet have made exceptions for ships from China and Russia. This development highlights a new era of great power politics, with China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and other authoritarian powers forming an emerging alliance that challenges the dominance of the largely democratic alliance led by the United States. This shift in global dynamics has experts concerned about the future implications.
The anti-democratic alliance has become increasingly bold and coordinated in their actions over the past decade. Examples include China, Iran, and North Korea supporting Russia in the Ukraine war, with economic aid and military assistance being provided. China and Russia are also collaborating on military projects beyond Ukraine, and Iran and North Korea have resumed their collaboration on missile technology. Furthermore, during the conflict in Gaza, Chinese and Russian groups have been active on social media supporting groups like Hamas, which are backed by Iran.
The ultimate goal of the China-led alliance is to reduce American influence and allow regional powers to assert their dominance. This could mean China taking over Taiwan, Russia dominating parts of Eastern Europe, and Iran competing with Saudi Arabia in the Middle East. While these countries have their own values and principles, they share authoritarian governments, patriarchal societies, and a disdain for liberal democracy. The aim of the alliance is to establish a world order that is less influenced by the West.
The world may be on the brink of a new cold war, with two broad alliances vying for power and occasionally supporting conflicting sides in conflicts. The possibility of a global war, triggered by a major event like a Chinese invasion of Taiwan or an accidental incident, is also a concern. The weakening of communication channels and the rise of proxy forces like the Houthis complicates the situation. While the past few decades have seen a decrease in armed conflicts and global poverty, the future appears to be more uncertain and potentially dangerous.
Recent developments, such as the dispatch of a top military commander to Israel amid concerns of retaliation from Iran, demonstrate the high stakes involved. As the world navigates this shifting global landscape, it will be crucial for leaders to engage in dialogue, establish clear communication channels, and work towards diplomatic solutions to prevent the escalation of tensions. The emerging great power politics present challenges that require careful navigation and strategic decision-making to ensure peace and stability in the international arena.
