The Russia and China 'super alliance'

[Matteo]

As most of us know, Russia and China have openly declared to the international community that they are in the process of developing a 'special relationship'. Basically, a super alliance between two geographically large countries, both with growing economies, large militaries, and a handful of nuclear weapons and natural resources. This, of course, is worrying the Western world, especially the United States. As it is true that the EU and North America are currently ahead in terms of strength and global influence, there is a reason why analysts often cite the next 100 years as the "Asian century". China are continuously expanding and it is safe to say Russia is experiencing its best economic period since the collapse of the USSR.

A lot of people tend to dissect the Russia/China alliance as an imperative element in international relations in the next 100 years, but I actually think that this proclaimed 'super alliance' is mostly just a fear-mongering method designed to alarm the West and nothing more. In reality, Russia are highly cautious of China. Putin thinks that a relationship too close with China will make them vulnerable to Chinese imperialist expansion in Northeast Asia. China have had their eyes on Siberia and Eastern Russia for quite some time now (i.e., to help with population growth and a greater share in natural resources), so developing an alliance with Russia could open potential possibilities of literally expanding China's border.

What do you think about this? Is the apparent super alliance merely a ploy designed to startle the West? That is, behind closed doors, Russia and China are very weary of each other, but they've agreed to fabricate such a partnership considering both states have a historic hatred of the West. Or is it actually genuine and will Russia and China begin to become closer? If it is the latter, then the very working and order of the world will change drastically over the next 200 years.

What do you think?

[Locke]

I hope I never live to see the day people are fed up enough with the USA to create World War III. I'm scared, honestly. Being from the USA right now is a very scary time. Our leaders do things the majority of the people have no interest for and get involved with "policing the World" when a lot of us don't wish it, and those of us who feel that way fear it will likely get us eventually in a bad, bad war.

[AkydefGoldberg]

I think the relationship is designed to make sure each party stays in line and at the same time help each other slowly. I don't think it'll be the major relationship because eventually they will clash but in regards to Syria, their co-operation will be even more closer and strong for Assad.

The deal benefits Russia to develop their economy with the help of China and China can feel more comfortable having Russia as an ally against the West.

[ShaneOfan]

Neither one of their governments is stable or open enough for the idea of them working together to scare me. They both keep way to many secrets for them to trust each other enough to be a threat to others.

[Chewy]

Neither one of their governments is stable or open enough for the idea of them working together to scare me. They both keep way to many secrets for them to trust each other enough to be a threat to others.

This, they're both too secular and paranoid to share enough to become more than friendly nations.

[Chewy]

I hope I never live to see the day people are fed up enough with the USA to create World War III. I'm scared, honestly. Being from the USA right now is a very scary time. Our leaders do things the majority of the people have no interest for and get involved with "policing the World" when a lot of us don't wish it, and those of us who feel that way fear it will likely get us eventually in a bad, bad war.

That's because you're fed the line of bullshit that everywhere else in the world wants to hold hands and have peace now. The only reason we are not at war now is that it isn't economically viable for the relative nations.

Anyone who hates the USA enough to go to war already do so, so this hippy handwringing crap is really redunant.

A strong US presence in the world actually creates more peace, not less.

The world is not a peaceful place, and the only thing stopping other countries and groups from killing you and yours is opportunity. A strong US military and presence reduces that opportunity by a great deal.

[Matteo]

I hope I never live to see the day people are fed up enough with the USA to create World War III. I'm scared, honestly. Being from the USA right now is a very scary time. Our leaders do things the majority of the people have no interest for and get involved with "policing the World" when a lot of us don't wish it, and those of us who feel that way fear it will likely get us eventually in a bad, bad war.

That's because you're fed the line of bullshit that everywhere else in the world wants to hold hands and have peace now. The only reason we are not at war now is that it isn't economically viable for the relative nations.

Anyone who hates the USA enough to go to war already do so, so this hippy handwringing crap is really redunant.

A strong US presence in the world actually creates more peace, not less.

The world is not a peaceful place, and the only thing stopping other countries and groups from killing you and yours is opportunity. A strong US military and presence reduces that opportunity by a great deal.

The Cold War was similar in many respects. Since we lived under a bipolar framework, the world was essentially divided into two halves. The United States on one end (the embodiment of capitalism and the free-market) and the Soviet Union on the other (the embodiment of socialism and shared ownership). The reason why the United States could not police the world during the entirety of the Cold War was because any signs of aggressive foreign policy or an invasive nature exhibited by the US administration was seen as an attempt at ideological expansion. And this was arguably the strongest condemnation the Cold War had to offer. Let's not forget, the Cold War was about the containment of ideology, not the destruction. The nuclear bomb, as I mentioned in a previous thread, embedded stability in the international community and refrained either superpower from exercising their ideologies freely without the possibility of nuclear war or a large-scale attack.

When the USSR collapsed, this threat no longer posed the United States, hence why we have had numerous Middle East wars since and various US military bases open across the world.

But yes, the prodigious and intimidating presence of the US military is embedding a sense of peace and stability in the world, although this won't last for long, and I think that is what Locke is trying to get at.