School of War Ep 187: Richard Fontaine on the “Reverse Kissinger”
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Apr 1, 2025 In an engaging conversation, Richard Fontaine, CEO of CNAS and a seasoned foreign policy advisor, dives into the tricky dynamics between China and Russia. He discusses the historical context of their cooperation, the strategic implications for U.S. influence, and the challenges posed by nuclear deterrence. Fontaine emphasizes the need for a renewed diplomatic approach to navigate these geopolitical waters and critiques the liberal international order. Expect sharp insights into the evolving roles of global powers amidst rising tensions!
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Reverse Kissinger's Prospects
- The "Reverse Kissinger" strategy proposes aligning with Russia against China, mirroring Nixon's approach with China against the USSR.
- This strategy is deemed unlikely to succeed due to the lack of a comparable rift between Russia and China.
Spheres of Influence and Conflict
- Granting Russia a sphere of influence is suggested as a way to achieve alignment against China.
- This approach is rejected as it could lead to wars at the seams of these spheres and contradicts U.S. policy.
Nuclear Weapons: Stabilizing or Emboldening?
- Nuclear weapons have had a stabilizing effect among nuclear powers, as seen with the U.S. and Soviet Union after the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- However, nuclear weapons can embolden nations, raising the stakes in conflicts.