Election Day, Chinese Interference, and the China–Russia–North Korea Axis
Nov 5, 2024
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It's Election Day, and the podcast explores the uniqueness of American democracy and its global influence. Chinese interference in U.S. elections is dissected, revealing disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining democracy. The evolving axis of China, Russia, and North Korea is examined, especially in relation to North Korean troops in Ukraine. The contrasting political journeys of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer a historical perspective on American politics. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of civic engagement amidst these geopolitical dynamics.
American democracy is unique and influential worldwide, capturing global interest due to its complex electoral processes and implications.
China's strategic interference in U.S. elections, particularly against anti-China candidates, reflects its aim to undermine American democracy and influence outcomes.
Deep dives
The Uniqueness of American Democracy
American democracy is characterized by its extraordinary nature, as elections tend to capture global attention due to their lengthy and complex processes. The election season can last over a year and encompasses a wide range of societal interests, making the U.S. elections a spectacle for observers worldwide. Unlike many countries where elections focus primarily on domestic issues, U.S. elections often address global security, commerce, and technology, reflecting policies with far-reaching implications beyond American borders. This global significance reinforces the idea that American democracy is not just a national affair but one that affects countries and lives across the globe.
Election Interference and China’s Agenda
China has demonstrated a keen interest in American elections, often portraying the democratic system as chaotic in order to promote its own political narrative. The Chinese Communist Party has been known to intervene in U.S. elections to ensure that outcomes align with Beijing's policy preferences, especially when debates around China policy are prominent. Recent instances of interference have included cyberattacks targeting candidates with strong anti-China stances, with significant attention given to prominent figures like Senators Martha Blackburn and Marco Rubio, among others. These tactics, including the use of social media disinformation campaigns, highlight China's strategic intent to destabilize American democracy and influence electoral outcomes.
The Collaboration of China, Russia, and North Korea
The relationship between China, Russia, and North Korea is characterized by a shared agenda that seeks to undermine Western influence and disrupt the existing international order. Despite perceptions that China may be wary of North Korea’s actions, the three nations collaborate closely, with China often acting as the economic and political power behind Russia and North Korea. This partnership enables coordinated efforts, such as the deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine, aimed at exhausting Western resources and attention. Overall, their alliance represents a significant frontline in the broader geopolitical struggle against the West, highlighting their unified objectives in reshaping global governance.
It’s election day! If you haven’t already, go do your civic duty and vote. With that settled, we open this week with Miles on just what makes American democracy so unique and influential around the globe. Everyone worldwide has a vested interest in the outcomes of our elections, and China is no exception. Miles reviews the Chinese Communist Party’s outlook on our elections and highlights their past (and current) attempts to interfere in our democratic system. We then close with a quick glance again at the North Korean troops in Ukraine, but use this topic as a catalyst to take on the prevailing narratives about China’s thinking inside the evolving axis between China, Russia, and North Korea.
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