Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci The Eurasian Century with Hal Brands
Mar 5, 2025
Hal Brands, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of 'The Eurasian Century', delves into the critical role of Eurasia in global affairs. He outlines how U.S. policies have inadvertently strengthened the ties between Russia and China. Brands discusses the intriguing geopolitical dance between these nations and the challenges posed by their autocratic regimes. He also highlights the complexities surrounding the U.S. response to the Ukraine crisis and stresses the need for a strategic American presence in Eurasia to ensure global stability.
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Eurasia's Strategic Importance
- Eurasia is the strategic center of the world, holding most of the world's resources and military potential.
- Controlling Eurasia has historically granted unbeatable global power due to these concentrated resources.
Mackinder's Theory
- Mackinder's theory emphasizes Eurasia's strategic importance, especially with advancements like the Trans-Siberian Railway.
- The completion of the Trans-Siberian Railway enabled faster troop movement across vast distances, increasing strategic volatility.
US Policy and Russia-China Relations
- US policies have unintentionally pushed Russia and China closer, despite historical tensions.
- Shared dislike for US global leadership and personal rapport between Putin and Xi strengthen their bond.
