Nations Rally Against U.S. Unilateralism
International politics is undergoing rapid evolution. The time of America’s descent from the throne of world domination is upon us; a multipolar world is quickly taking shape. Some events from the past few weeks highlight this trend.
The most blatant indicator was the occurrence of successful war games between Russia and China in August. A large swath of the media recognized the spirit of anti-Americanism pervading these unprecedented military exercises.
Asia Times noted, “As Washington has been increasingly stuck in its Iraqi quagmire, Russia and China seemingly availed themselves an opportunity to demonstrate their unwillingness to live in a unipolar world. Hence the joint exercises came as a reminder that the combined power of a ‘coalition of the unwilling’ (nations that chose to follow President George W. Bush into Iraq are seen as the coalition of the willing) could eventually endeavor to challenge the Bush administration’s global vision” (August 26). The message Russia and China sent to the U.S. through these military exercises was clear: Beware, America—a new power is in town.
Even before August’s joint military exercises, Russia’s and China’s resentment of U.S. global leadership was evident in a joint declaration these nations signed that denounced America’s “monopoly and domination in international affairs” and called for an end to “attempts [by America] to divide nations into leaders and those being led.” Both Russia and China despise American unilateralism and seek to establish an alliance to compete with it. Beijing’s and Moscow’s efforts to rally the world against U.S. leadership don’t end there.
Both Russia and China are strengthening their relations with the European Union. “This week [September 5] has also seen the eighth EU-China summit, and it was made clear that China sees building good relations with the EU as part of its overall strategy for combating U.S. unilateralism“ (Courcy‘s Intelligence Review, September 8). Commenting to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Chinese President Hu Jintao stated that “[u]nder the new circumstances of global multilateralism and economic globalization, the deepening of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership is of profound importance to maintaining world peace, promoting common development and realizing mutual benefits” (People‘s Daily Online, September 6).
The EU made evident its perspective on relations with China in a recent statement made by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana; he stated that the EU will lift its arms embargo against China “as soon as reasonably practical,” a move that will fly in the face of American interests.
There is no mistaking China’s motivation in these events. Beijing seeks to prove itself as a beneficial and worthwhile partner to Russia and the European Union. Thanks to its burgeoning export-driven economy, expanding military and its central role in Asian affairs, China has become a central player in global politics and is becoming an increasingly important partner to both Russia and the European Union.
Russia also continues to nurture its relationship with the European Union. This is a significant relationship worthy of keeping a close eye on.
“Linked to these developments, there has been further speculation in Moscow about the role of India. Following the August China-Russia joint military exercises, Andrey Kokoshin, former Russian Federation Security Council secretary, said that the next development would be the holding of joint Russian-Chinese-Indian exercises. He said these would be ‘within the framework of the Russia-India-China triangle that is forming …’” (Courcy‘s Intelligence Review, op. cit.). Consider the size of a Russian-Chinese-Indian alliance. It would include more than a third of the world’s population!
Added to this dangerous mix is Iran’s improving relationships with India, China and Russia. As Tehran remains embroiled in discussions with America and Europe regarding its nuclear program, the nation has undertaken efforts to shore up its ties elsewhere. Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, recently described relations with India, China and Russia as one of the priorities of Iranian foreign policy under Tehran’s new president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Anti-Americanism will remain the driving force behind international politics in the coming months and years. It will be the glue that binds many alliances together.
The Bible informs us of the future of these nations and alliances. The Sino-Russian alliance will strengthen, and it will embrace India. Europe will unite into the greatest power bloc in history. Islamic nations will coalesce behind Iran. Russia, China and the European Union will continue to gain a foothold in Africa and Latin and South America. And as these nations and blocs of nations grow in power, their mutual desire to compete with American unilateralism will continue to drive them to form alliances and marginalize the U.S.
To learn more about the rise of other nations in competition with American dominance, read our September-October issue of the Philadelphia Trumpet.