The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.
The Open Centre: Reimagining Europe’s offer to a fractured world
English Summary
The article argues that Europe must redefine its global role by becoming an 'open centre'—a force for measure and equilibrium rather than a hegemonic power. This requires accepting that the world is no longer Europe-centric (decentering) and adopting a strategy of 'value-based realism.' Crucially, external relevance hinges on domestic renewal: Europe must first rebuild its internal civic bargain to restore trust and cohesion. If successful at home, Europe's new offer will be to act as a non-exclusive partner in solving concrete global problems—such as sustainable infrastructure or digital standards—by accommodating plurality without sacrificing coherence.
中文摘要
本文論述歐洲必須重新定義其全球角色，轉型為一個「開放中心」（open centre）——即一種促進衡量與平衡的力量，而非霸權力量。這要求歐洲接受世界已不再是以自身為中心的格局（去中心化），並採納「價值基礎的現實主義」戰略。關鍵在於外部相關性取決於內部更新：歐洲必須先重建其內部的公民契約，以恢復信任和凝聚力。若能在國內取得成功，歐洲新的全球定位將是作為一個非排他性的夥伴，協助解決具體的全球問題——例如永續基礎設施或數位標準——在不犧牲整體一致性的前提下，接納多元性。
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