China, Russia and the Sinatra Doctrine

The Age of Exploration that led European vessels to far corners of the world began in the late 1400s. Russia and China play catchup, announcing plans for joint exercises in the Mediterranean in 2015. “Chinese and Russians would send a deliberate message: if Nato can patrol near their frontiers, they too can patrol in Nato’s heartland,” writes Gideon Rachman for Financial Times. He adds that the two are also pushing for a new world order, with absolute controls over their respective neighborhoods – whether that means resisting Ukraine’s quest for better ties with the West or Hong Kong’s demands to select candidates for its own election. Russia doesn’t fail in pointing out US-led interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. “There is a vast difference between a sphere of influence based on willing consent and one that is constructed around intimidation and force,” Rachman concludes. Use of hard power with neighbors increases security challenges and drives neighbors to alliances with the US. – YaleGlobal