Illusions and Intelligence Failures in Western Relations with China and Russia

The chapter exposes the false assumptions held by the Western world regarding China and Russia's adherence to a rules-based democratic order, detailing how the delusion of Western liberalism's triumph and shared interests with Russia post-war on terror were shattered. It humorously recounts a meeting between George Bush and Putin in 2002 and delves into the unexpected background of a man from chef to mercenary army leader with ties to influencing the 2016 election. The discussion also explores missed signs and intelligence failures regarding Russia's intentions towards Ukraine, Putin's ambitions, Xi Jinping's hidden militaristic ambitions, and the Western tendency to misjudge the true intentions and capabilities of these nations.