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 Stunning Failure of Iranian Deterrence
English Summary
The article argues that Iran's long-held system of deterrence is failing, suggesting that the country has lost its strategic balance despite external provocations. Using the metaphor of maintaining momentum, the analysis posits that Iran has been losing its stability over the past three years, undermining its regional power projection. This failure implies that the calculus of deterring Iran is shifting, necessitating a reassessment of policy strategies regarding its influence and military capabilities in the Middle East.
中文摘要
本文論述伊朗長期以來奉行的威懾體系正在瓦解，指出該國在面臨外部挑釁後，已喪失其戰略平衡。分析運用了「維持動能」的比喻，提出伊朗在過去三年來持續失去穩定性，削弱了其區域力量投射能力。這種衰退意味著威懾伊朗的權衡標準正在轉變，有必要重新評估有關其在中東影響力及軍事能力的政策策略。
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