The new Great Power Bloc: How China, Russia and Iran are rallying against the West
Nov 8, 2023
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US Secretary of State's diplomatic efforts in Israel-Gaza crisis, China's bid as a neutral arbiter, concerns over the 'axis of evil', impact of Ukraine and Gaza wars on international relationships, China and Russia challenging US influence in the Middle East, Iran's role in Gaza and perception of US, examining the realignment of the new world order.
The Israel-Gaza crisis has led to the formation of a new geopolitical bloc involving China, Russia, and Iran, challenging the Western power structure.
China's alliance with Russia and Iran aims to weaken the United States and reduce its influence over the international system, with China positioning itself as a global mediator in peace negotiations.
Deep dives
US Secretary of State's mission to alleviate Israel-Gaza crisis faces obstacles
The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, embarked on a mission to alleviate the Israel-Gaza crisis but faced challenges. Meetings with Arab foreign ministers produced no new progress, while rare public disagreements with Arab allies strained relations. This contrasts with the United Nations, where the majority of world powers called for a ceasefire, potentially challenging America's role as the global mediator. The crisis has also led to the formation of a new geopolitical bloc involving China, Russia, and Iran.
China and Russia strengthening their global alignment
China and Russia have been strengthening their relationship as a global alignment, challenging the Western power structure. Xi Jinping, the president of China, visited Moscow in March to emphasize the enduring bilateral alignment and strengthen personal ties with President Vladimir Putin. China and Russia announced a new partnership, expressing support for each other's foreign policy aims. This cooperation extends to peace negotiations, where China positions itself as a global mediator and challenges America's peace-brokering role.
Iran's role in the changing world order
Iran plays a significant role in the changing world order, particularly in the war in Gaza. Iran has been a long-time supporter of Hamas and aligns itself with Russia and China. This alliance aims to weaken the United States and reduce its influence over the international system. Iran's growing relationship with China is driven by economic interests, with China becoming Iran's largest oil importer. The war in Gaza and Iran's involvement test the United States' ability to manage multiple crises and maintain its influence in the region.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a whistle stop tour of the Middle East earlier this week, as part of a frantic diplomatic effort to de-escalate the Israel-Gaza crisis. His visit comes as China calls for a ceasefire in a bid to position itself as the neutral arbiter in the region. US politicians have labelled Russia, China and Iran as the ‘axis of evil’ - so should the West be worried? And how have the wars in Ukraine and Gaza deepened those relationships?
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Guest: Ahmed Aboudouh, Associate Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Clips: CGTN, PBS Newshour, The Times, France 24, United Nations, C-SPAN, Sky News, BBC News, NBC News, The Telegraph, Fox News.